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The Greek national team reacted and closed its presence in the Nations League in an ideal way. Ivan Jovanovic’s side found two goals at the start of the second half and went past Finland for the first time in their history, winning 2-0.
This three points was enough for the “blue and white” to secure their participation in the 2nd capacity group for the World Cup qualifiers draw on December 13.
At the same time, Greece finished 2nd in its group in a tie with England, having a record of 5-1-0, a sign that it is progressing and reminds again of the good old National Team. As for promotion to the first division of the Nations League, they will play one of the third League A in double legs.
Finally, securing 2nd place in the group could potentially give them a second chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, should they not make it through the qualifiers.
The match
Greece showed a will to control the game at the start, with Tzolis in the 8th minute threatening the opponent’s goal, but the shot he attempted from the edge of the area was countered and went over for a corner. The Greek national team won several static phases and mainly corners, which they did not take advantage of, while their development was slow. The tempo remained low, which was convenient for Finland, which mainly tried to create phases with a quick transition, but was unable to threaten Vlachodimos’ goal.
Bakasetas saw Joronen deflect the cross shot he attempted in the 32nd minute, while six minutes later Pavlidis pounced in the opponent’s area but Hoskonen took the bite out of his mouth. The minutes passed, the “blue and white” did not have the required energy and intensity due to frustration and fatigue from the match with England (the same players started on 9/11 as the last game) and the half-time naturally ended without a score (0-0 ).
The blue and white team showed a different face at the start of the second half. He was more focused and focused, resulting in two quick goals to effectively finish the game and lock up the three points. After threatening in the 50th minute with the combination of Masoura-Pavlidis that the latter did not have time to convert into a final, she found the first goal that freed her.
It was the 52nd minute when Koulierakis created a great thing for Bakaseta, passing him a terrific cross that cut the opposing defense in two, with the captain of the National team executing for 1-0.
Four minutes later, the other stopper, Mavropanos, with a long ball played Pavlidis at the back of the defense, Joronen went offside and moved away temporarily but on Tzolis, who with a terrific lob from 30 meters sent the ball into the net for the 2-0.
Greece had circled the three points and was moving into administration. Bakasetas had a finish blocked by Joronen in the 61st minute and minutes later he worried the bench as he was injured on the ground, with Jovanovic opting to make his first changes in the 74th minute. He dropped Siopi and Pelka on the grass, bringing out Bakaseta and Masura.
At the same time, with the close distances on the lines, the Greek national team kept the Finns away from dangerous phases with relative ease, with each and every final of the home team being 3 up to that point.
Puki in the 80th minute tried to score and give new interest to a counter attack, but the quick retreat of Rota and the correct positioning of Mavropanos did not allow him to do so. A few minutes later, the home side had their best moment when Adman found himself a few yards outside the area, he got a powerful shot but the ball went about two yards wide of the left post.
Until the final, nothing changed, with the only notable event being the debut of Mouzakitis, who also became the youngest player to compete in an official match with the Greek National Team! And he may not have played enough, but maybe it’s the start of a long career with the coat of arms on his chest…
Finland: Joronen, Alho (81′ Niskanen), Hoskonen, Ivanov, Pikarainen (67′ Olila), Hakans (74′ Puki), Lund, Kamara (74′ Nisila), Kairinen, Kalman, Pojanpalo (67′ Adams).
Greece: Vlachodimos, Rota, Koulierakis, Mavropanos, Tsimikas, Mandalos (88′ Retsos), Kourbelis (90+1′ Mouzakitis), Bakasetas (74′ Pelkas), Masouras (74′ Siopis), Tzolis (88′ Giannoulis), Pavlidis.
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