Germany's nightmare Greece defends the lead, gives the Dutch a hand

The Greek squad, regarded as a Germany scare, defended its top spot on the third matchday of the Nations League and handed the Dutch a defeat. Despite a 2:0 lead in the first half, Greece remained unbeaten in the group after the duel ended 2:2.

Early lead and controversial goal

In the 13th minute, an off‑side goal by the Greeks was disallowed. Shortly after, Fotis Ioannidis put the Greeks ahead 1:0 in the 23rd minute. Just before the break, Christos Tzolis, a former Dortmund player, was replaced by Georgios Masouras, who scored the 2:0 in first‑half stoppage time.

Dutch comeback

After the break the Dutch pushed for an equaliser. A mis‑pass from Ruben van Bommel set up the chance, and captain Virgil van Dijk struck in the 59th minute to make it 2:1. In the 89th minute Tijjani Reijnders saved the game for the Oranje with the equaliser.

Before this match Greece had surprisingly beaten Germany 1:0 and earlier beaten Serbia 2:1. This leaves the team unbeaten in the German Nations League group.

The group consists of Germany, Greece, the Netherlands and Serbia. Greece's win over Germany and the points against Serbia, as well as the draw against the Netherlands, secure the current top spot.