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UEFA Nations League · League A · 2

Germany

0 – 1

FT

 

HT 0–0

Greece

Dimitrios Kourbelis 74'

UEFA Nations League

League A · 2

Germany0–1Greece

8

Shots in the box

5

Expected goals were not reported for this fixture. Shots in the box is the closest measure the feed provides.

74′

Shot-by-shot xG is not available for this fixture. The timeline above shows the goals and cards recorded by the match feed.

GERGRE· WWK Arena, Augsburg

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Post-match insight

Greece's Defensive Mastery Stuns Germany in Nations League Clash

Germany's dominance in possession couldn't prevent a 0-1 defeat to a resolute Greek side, highlighting a tactical triumph in the UEFA Nations League.

In a match where Germany commanded an overwhelming 76% of possession, it was Greece who walked away with three points, courtesy of Dimitrios Kourbelis' decisive strike in the 74′. Despite controlling the ball and creating more opportunities, Germany's efforts were stifled by a Greek defense that was as disciplined as it was defiant.

Tactical timeline

Germany, set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, sought to impose their game through a high volume of accurate passes—668 out of 730. Yet, this numerical superiority in passing didn't translate into significant threats on goal. Their 16 shots, with only five hitting the target, illustrated a struggle to penetrate a compact Greek defense that allowed just one shot on target from their eight attempts.

Greece, operating in a 4-4-2 setup, leaned heavily on their defensive structure and the sharpness of center-back Konstantinos Mavropanos, who was pivotal in repelling German advances. Mavropanos, the highest-rated player with a 7.72, exemplified Greece's defensive resilience with three crucial tackles and a key pass that helped relieve pressure.

Quick stats

76%Possession24%
16Shots8

The decisive phase

The turning point arrived late in the second half when Kourbelis, introduced as a substitute, capitalized on a rare Greek foray into the German half.

German midfield maestro Joshua Kimmich, with a rating of 7.2, was among the few bright spots for the hosts. His three key passes and two tackles reflected his attempts to orchestrate play and break down the Greek lines. However, the lack of support in finishing opportunities left Germany frustrated and ultimately goalless.

His performance, rated at 7.67, was marked by composure and effective command of his area, providing a reliable last line of defense.

This result leaves Germany third in their group, with just one point from two games, while Greece sits atop with a perfect record, highlighting their surprising strength in this Nations League campaign. The match serves as a stark reminder that possession alone does not dictate the outcome, especially against a side as tactically astute as Greece.

For more detailed player profiles and season rankings, visit TackleZone's comprehensive analysis of each player's performance throughout the season.

Show pre-match preview

Germany's Tactical Precision vs. Greece's Defensive Resilience

As Germany hosts Greece in the UEFA Nations League, the matchup promises a fascinating battle between tactical precision and defensive solidity.

Germany enters this fixture with a reputation for fluid attacking play, characterized by quick transitions and intricate passing patterns. Their midfield, often orchestrated by a maestro capable of dictating the tempo, will look to exploit any gaps in Greece's defensive setup. Expect Germany to dominate possession, using width to stretch the Greek backline and create overloads in crucial areas.

On the other hand, Greece prides itself on a robust defensive structure. Their back four, typically well-organized, will need to be on high alert against Germany's dynamic forwards. The central defenders will face a significant challenge, as they must balance physicality with awareness to track runs from midfielders who often join the attack. A key battle will be whether Greece can maintain their shape under pressure and limit Germany's chances in and around the box.

The midfield duel will be essential in determining the flow of the game. Germany's ability to control the midfield and dictate play will be crucial, particularly in transitioning the ball from defense to attack. The Greeks, conversely, will rely on their midfielders to disrupt Germany’s rhythm and regain possession quickly. The effectiveness of Greece's pressing game could be pivotal, as they seek to force turnovers and capitalize on any mistakes.

Set pieces could play a crucial role in this encounter. Germany has shown proficiency in executing well-rehearsed routines, while Greece often poses a threat from dead-ball situations, leveraging their height and physicality. The outcome of these scenarios could swing the match in either direction, making them a focal point for both teams.

As the match unfolds, Germany's full-backs will likely push forward to provide width, creating additional attacking options. This could stretch Greece's defense, forcing them to make difficult decisions about whether to commit more players forward or maintain their defensive posture. The effectiveness of these full-backs in both attack and defense could be a decisive factor in how the game develops.

Ultimately, the tactical battle between Germany's attacking prowess and Greece's defensive resilience will define this fixture. Both teams have their strengths, and the outcome may hinge on which side can impose their game plan more effectively. Germany's home advantage will be tested against a Greece side that thrives on discipline and counter-attacking opportunities.

Fixture #1528899 · All upcoming previews · Match insights

Timeline

Yann Bisseck

Foul

🟨17'
🟨18'

Georgios Vagiannidis

Foul

🟨22'

Konstantinos Karetsas

Time Wasting

🔄45'

Manolis Saliakas ↑ Georgios Vagiannidis ↓

Half-time
🟨57'

Panagiotis Retsos

Foul

🔄59'

Dimitrios Kourbelis ↑ Christos Zafeiris ↓

🔄59'

Fotis Ioannidis ↑ Andrews Tetteh ↓

Jonathan Burkardt ↑ Kevin Schade ↓

🔄65'

Florian Wirtz ↑ Bambasé Conté ↓

🔄65'
🟨68'

Dimitrios Kourbelis

Foul

⚽74'

Dimitrios Kourbelis

Serge Gnabry ↑ Karim Adeyemi ↓

🔄75'
🔄81'

Georgios Masouras ↑ Christos Tzolis ↓

Hennes Behrens ↑ Nathaniel Brown ↓

🔄84'

Anton Stach ↑ Felix Nmecha ↓

🔄84'
🔄89'

Giannis Michailidis ↑ Vangelis Pavlidis ↓

Match info

Kickoff 
VenueWWK Arena, Augsburg
RefereeChris Kavanagh
CompetitionUEFA Nations League
Season2026
RoundLeague A · 2
StatusMatch Finished
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Match context

Germany

#3

4 pts · 3 played

WLD

Greece

#1

7 pts · 3 played

DWW

Germany

DLWD
  • vs Paraguay1–1 · 29 Jun
  • @ Ecuador1–2 · 25 Jun
  • vs Serbia2–0 · 1 Oct
  • @ Netherlands1–1 · 24 Sep

Greece

DWLD
  • vs Netherlands2–2 · 1 Oct
  • @ Serbia2–1 · 24 Sep
  • vs Italy0–1 · 7 Jun
  • @ Sweden2–2 · 4 Jun