Jürgen Klopp's first match in charge of Germany on home soil ended in disappointment as Greece claimed a historic 1-0 victory in Augsburg, moving top of Nations League Group A2 in the process.
Dimitrios Kourbelis struck the decisive blow in the 74th minute, his deflected effort finding the net to secure Greece's first-ever win over Germany in 11 attempts. The result gives Ivan Jovanovic's team six points from two matches, while Germany sit third with just one point after two outings, having drawn 1-1 with the Netherlands in their previous fixture.
Greece dominated large portions of the contest, enjoying nearly 80 percent of possession during the opening half. Germany's defensive lapses, particularly after the break, allowed the visitors room to exploit space and eventually make the breakthrough. Germany did create chances of their own, with Felix Nmecha shooting wide in the 54th minute shortly after Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis tipped a Joshua Kimmich free-kick over the crossbar. Greece nearly doubled their advantage in the 66th minute when substitute Fotis Ioannidis, following a Kimmich turnover, saw his shot drift narrowly wide.
Kourbelis eventually made the breakthrough, giving Greece back-to-back victories following their dramatic 2-1 win over Serbia days earlier. Attention now turns to Thursday's fixtures, with Greece hosting the Netherlands and Germany welcoming Serbia.
Despite the setback, Klopp remained composed when addressing the media afterward. "Personally, I'm completely unbothered by it," he told broadcaster ARD. "I've lost far more matches in my life than I would have liked... but as long as you draw the right conclusions, a loss is ultimately just a piece of information – no different from a win." He added: "We absolutely need these kinds of matches – they are exactly the games we wanted to have." Kimmich echoed a similar sentiment, noting that his new manager "has been very clear about what he wants – as players, we need to implement it."
Elsewhere in the group, the Netherlands secured a 2-1 win away to Serbia, powered by a double from Mexx Meerdink in only his second international appearance. The result marked Xavi Hernández's first win as Dutch coach following a draw against Germany days prior. Meerdink, who plays his club football for Eredivisie leaders AZ, calmly converted a penalty in the 30th minute to open the scoring. Luka Jovic drew Serbia level before Meerdink restored the lead in the 69th minute to complete his brace.
"It's a boyhood dream," Meerdink said afterward. "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. I did feel a little pressure, but you play that out of your system. And then to score two is fantastic."
The win was overshadowed somewhat by an injury scare involving Cody Gakpo, who was substituted in the 17th minute and is set for a scan. "It's his ankle, that's all I know," Xavi said. "Tomorrow we will know, but hopefully it's not too important."
In Group A4, defending champions Portugal maintained their perfect start with a 2-1 win over Norway in Oslo. João Félix opened the scoring in the 17th minute for the second consecutive match, before Erling Haaland equalised for the hosts in the 54th minute. Gonçalo Ramos restored Portugal's lead just three minutes later to seal the victory for Jorge Jesus's side.
Bruno Fernandes was absent from the squad, with Jesus revealing the Manchester United captain had been carrying an injury sustained at club level. "He played with an injury he brought from Manchester United," Jesus explained. "He wasn't his usual self... [but] he really wanted to play against Wales."
Portugal travel to Denmark next, while Norway face Wales in Cardiff, after Wales suffered a 2-0 defeat in Copenhagen against the Danes.
Based on reporting from Guardian Football.