AUGSBURG, Germany — Dimitris Kourbelis scored in the 74th minute as Greece beat Germany 1–0 on Sunday, claiming their first victory over the Germans and spoiling Jürgen Klopp’s first home match in charge.
The substitute’s deflected shot settled the Nations League contest at WWK Arena and gave Greece six points from their opening two games. Germany remained on one point after following Thursday’s 1–1 draw with the Netherlands with a home defeat.
Greece had failed to win any of the countries’ previous 10 meetings, according to UEFA. This time, Ivan Jovanovic’s team combined disciplined defending with enough attacking pressure to keep Germany from controlling the closing stages.
Karim Adeyemi produced Germany’s clearest first-half opening, forcing goalkeeper Kostas Tzolakis to save a curling effort shortly after the half-hour. Greece survived that threat and became increasingly dangerous after the interval.
Vangelis Pavlidis helped create a chance for Fotis Ioannidis in the 67th minute, but the forward’s shot went wide. Seven minutes later, Pavlidis was involved again as Greece worked the ball down the left through Christos Tzolis, whose delivery reached Kourbelis for the decisive strike.
The goal rewarded a spell in which the visitors were doing more than protecting a draw. Ioannidis later sent another opportunity wide, leaving Germany within one goal until the final whistle but unable to recover.
The result followed Greece’s 2–1 victory in Serbia on Thursday. Winning both opening matches away from home puts Jovanovic’s side in a strong early position before their first home fixture of the campaign.
The Netherlands sit second in Group A2 with four points after beating Serbia 2–1 in Belgrade on Sunday. Germany are third, while Serbia have yet to earn a point.
Greece next host the Netherlands in Thessaloniki on Thursday, with a chance to extend their lead over their nearest challenger. Germany face Serbia the same evening, still seeking a first victory under Klopp in this Nations League campaign.
Read the complete report
This page is an original Sporting Page summary. The reporting remains with UEFA match reports.
Read at UEFA match reports
