Greece stunned Germany with a 1-0 victory in Augsburg on Sunday, handing Jürgen Klopp his first home defeat as Germany coach in a major setback for the hosts in the UEFA Nations League.
Dimitris Kourbelis scored the only goal of the match in the 74th minute as Greece held on to secure another important victory in Group A2. The result moved Greece to the top of the group after they had also defeated Serbia in their opening match.
The defeat came just days after Klopp’s first match in charge ended in a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands. Germany had been leading in Amsterdam until Cody Gakpo equalised in stoppage time.
Klopp was therefore still waiting for his first victory as Germany coach when his team returned home to face Greece.
Kourbelis Breaks the Deadlock
Germany controlled much of the match and dominated possession, but they struggled to turn their advantage into a goal.
The hosts recorded 76% possession and finished with 14 shots, compared with six from Greece. Germany also won eight corners to Greece’s two, but the visitors remained organised defensively and waited for their opportunity.
That opportunity arrived in the 74th minute.
Kourbelis, who had come on as a substitute in the second half, found the breakthrough to put Greece 1-0 ahead. The midfielder had entered the game in the 59th minute before producing the decisive moment 15 minutes later.
Germany responded by increasing the pressure, but Greece defended their advantage during the closing stages.
Germany Struggle to Find Equaliser
Klopp made several changes as he searched for a way back into the match, including bringing on Florian Wirtz and Serge Gnabry.
Germany continued to attack and created opportunities around the Greek penalty area, but they could not find the finishing touch needed to equalise.
Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis also played an important role, making five saves as Germany repeatedly looked for an opening.
The visitors remained disciplined until the final whistle, securing a famous away victory and leaving Germany without a win from their opening two Nations League matches.
Klopp Faces Early Challenge
The result gives Klopp plenty to consider as he begins his Germany tenure.
His side showed energy and attacking intent during the draw with the Netherlands, but the loss to Greece highlighted some of the problems that remain. Germany dominated possession but were unable to turn that control into goals.
Klopp was already dealing with injuries to Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz, who were unavailable after withdrawing from the squad. Both players had been involved in Germany’s opening Nations League match against the Netherlands.
Greece, meanwhile, have made an impressive start to life in League A. After coming from behind to beat Serbia 2-1 in their opening match, they followed it up with another victory away to Germany.
The result leaves Greece at the top of Group A2, while Germany must now regroup ahead of their next Nations League fixtures.
For Klopp, the opening two matches have produced a draw and a defeat. His new Germany project will now face increased attention as he looks to turn promising performances into results.