Greece stun Germany 1-0 in losing home debut for Jurgen Klopp
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Germany coach Jurgen Klopp reacts after the Nations League Group A2 match, where his team lost 1-0 to Greece in Augsburg, Germany.
PHOTO: REUTERS
AUGSBURG, Germany – Greece scored a 74th-minute goal through Dimitris Kourbelis to stun hosts Germany 1-0 in their Nations League Group A2 game on Sept 27 to top the group and spoil coach Jurgen Klopp’s home debut on the German bench.
It was the first-ever win for the Greeks in 11 matches against the Germans, and they now lead their group on six points from two matches. Germany are on one point.
The hosts were in control for most of the game and had close to 80% possession in the first half but they were ultimately punished for sloppy defending, especially in the second half, which gave the Greeks space to attack.
Klopp, who took over in July after Germany’s early World Cup exit, has now failed to win either of his two matches in charge following a 1-1 draw with the Dutch in Amsterdam on Sept 24.
“I could have lived with us not winning but you cannot lose such a game,” the 59-year-old said. “We have been together for a week now, all mixed together, and that needs time.
“The result is not cool but it is absolutely part of the process,” he said. Germany next play Serbia on Oct 1 before travelling to Greece three days later.
Two wins in a row for Greece
Despite enjoying a dominant first half, Germany only carved out scoring chances after they upped their tempo and pressed higher.
Felix Nmecha fired wide in the 54th, a minute after Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis had palmed a Joshua Kimmich free kick over the bar.
The Greeks, however, almost scored in the 66th minute after Kimmich lost possession in his own half but substitute Fotis Ioannidis fired just wide of the post.
They did better in the 74th with Kourbelis’ deflected low drive that gave them the win to make it two victories in a row after their last-gasp 2-1 win over Serbia on Sept 24.
Greece's Dimitrios Kourbelis celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates.
PHOTO: REUTERS
In the same group, the Netherlands earned a 2-1 victory over Serbia thanks to Mexx Meerdink’s double strike on his second appearance for his country.
It was their first win under new coach Xavi Hernandez following their draw with Germany on Sept 24.
“It’s a boyhood dream. I actually don’t have any words for it,” Meerdink said. “Everything is happening so quickly. You just don’t realise what can happen in the space of a week. It’s also great that we managed to win here.
“Sometimes you need a bit of luck. This time it went my way. Then you have to be there and be important for the team. I did feel a little pressure, I was a bit nervous. But you play that out of your system. And then to be allowed to score two is fantastic.”
Mexx Meerdink (left) of the Netherlands scores the 1-2 goal against Serbia in Belgrade, on Sept 27.
PHOTO: EPA
Joao Felix scored for the second consecutive Nations League match as defending champions Portugal edged past hosts Norway 2-1 to top Group A4 with two wins from two matches.
The Norwegians cancelled out Felix’s 17th-minute lead with Erling Haaland’s equaliser before Goncalo Ramos’ chip won it for the visitors.
Ben Davies scored a 53rd-minute own goal and Gustav Isaksen added another on the hour as Denmark eased past Wales 2-0 to earn their first points in Group A4.
In a politically charged encounter in Group B3, Ireland scored twice in three minutes early in the first half to ease past Israel 3-0. REUTERS