Things To Know As Greece Takes On Germany In UEFA Nations League
Things To Know As Greece Takes On Germany In UEFA Nations League
The Jürgen Klopp era got up and running at the third attempt, and now Germany will look to overcome early Group A2 leaders Greece in the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League.
Klopp’s Germany secured a 2–0 victory over Serbia last time out after being denied a win at the death by Xavi Hernández’s new-look Netherlands side in the German manager’s first game in charge.
The four-time world champions were then beaten by an impressive Greek side that has collected seven points from its opening three League A matches after earning promotion from League B in 2025.
Ivan Jovanović’s men recovered from an early deficit to beat Serbia on Matchday 1 before claiming a historic victory in this fixture. Greece had never defeated Germany before Dimitrios Kourbelis scored in the 75th minute of last week’s meeting in Augsburg.
Their impressive start to the competition looked set to continue when Greece took a 2–0 lead against the Netherlands on Matchday 3, but goals from Virgil van Dijk and Tijjani Reijnders ensured the points were shared.
Nevertheless, Jovanović’s side remain top of Group A2 at the halfway stage and are in a strong position to reach the quarter-finals. Germany, meanwhile, still have work to do despite their recent victory.
Greece vs. Germany Score Prediction
Greeks Force Stalemate
Klopp will hope Germany’s Florian Wirtz-inspired victory over Serbia can provide the momentum needed to unlock his side. The new manager is not expecting perfection at this early stage, particularly with his squad split into two groups as he assesses the players available to him.
There is scope for the positive momentum from the midweek victory to carry into Sunday’s away fixture, but Greece, despite surrendering their lead against the Netherlands, remain a disciplined and well-coached side that is difficult to break down.
Greek supporters are dreaming of another golden era after the country failed to qualify for the previous six major tournaments since reaching the round of 16 at the 2014 World Cup.
Greece’s home record: The hosts have actually enjoyed more success away from home in recent times, failing to win any of their three home matches this calendar year. Greece failed to score in defeats to Paraguay and Italy and also suffered goalless home losses to Scotland and Denmark last year.
Reduced firepower: Christos Tzolis has made a bright start to his Arsenal career and appears set to become a leading figure in Greek football in the coming years, although Borussia Dortmund’s Konstantinos Karetsas is also attracting plenty of attention. However, Tzolis is expected to miss Sunday’s game, reducing Greece’s attacking options. Others have stepped up during this international break, but his absence could make things more difficult for the hosts.
Klopp’s shuffling: Germany defeated Serbia without too much difficulty, but results are not Klopp’s only priority during this break. The manager has been rotating his squad heavily, leaving little opportunity for rhythm and relationships to develop. If he makes widespread changes again, a stubborn Greek side could frustrate the visitors, as it did in the reverse fixture.
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Prediction: Greece 0–0 Germany
Greece Predicted Lineup vs. Germany
Greece have suffered a major injury setback ahead of Sunday’s clash, with Arsenal’s Christos Tzolis unlikely to feature. The winger was forced off during the 2–2 draw against the Netherlands with a hamstring injury.
Jovanović is expected to replace him with Georgios Masouras, who made an immediate impact after coming on as a 17th-minute substitute in the previous match.
Greece’s 4-4-2 formation could otherwise remain unchanged, with Jovanović seemingly finding a simple formula that has produced impressive results during this international break. He has several reliable centre-forward options, and the competition for playing time is pushing each player to perform at their best. Como’s Anastasios Douvikas, who scored the winner against Serbia, has consequently struggled for regular starts.
Konstantinos Karetsas will also be one to watch on the right flank, although Borussia Dortmund have urged Greece to manage the 18-year-old’s minutes carefully on Sunday.
Greece predicted lineup vs. Germany (4-4-2): Tzolakis; Saliakas, Mavropanos, Retsos, Tsimikas; Karetsas, Kourbelis, Zafeiris, Masouras; Ioannidis, Pavlidis.
Germany Predicted Lineup vs. Greece
Klopp’s decision to split his large Germany squad into two groups means Greece are likely to face an almost entirely different collection of players in the reverse fixture.
The visitors will be without Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala due to injury, but Liverpool supporters would have been encouraged by Florian Wirtz’s display in Germany’s victory over Serbia.
“Everyone in Liverpool should be happy today,” Klopp said after the Reds’ No. 7 scored in the 60th minute of Germany’s 2–0 victory, their first win under the new regime.
FC Köln’s Saïd El Mala could be handed an opportunity to impress in attack, with Jonathan Burkardt potentially leading the line. Wirtz is expected to retain his role as the chief creative outlet, while Lennart Karl will hope to feature on the right flank.
Germany predicted lineup vs. Greece (4-2-3-1): Urbig; Treu, Anton, Thiaw, Raum; Pavlović, Engelhardt; Karl, Wirtz, El Mala; Burkardt.
Match Details
Location: Thessaloniki, Greece
Stadium: Toumba Stadium
Date: Sunday, Oct. 4
Kickoff Time: 7:45 p.m. BST / 2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT
Referee: Clément Turpin (FRA)
VAR: Jérôme Brisard (FRA)
