Greece’s national football team fought it out against France on Tuesday morning (AEST) in a Euro 2024 qualifier match, but they were defeated 1-0.
Striker Kylian Mbappe netted a second-half penalty to claim victory for France.
But the 10-men Greek team still fought valiantly with Odysseas Vlachodimos going on the offensive to block goal attempts by France such as Jules Kounde’s volley.
France were awarded a penalty early in the second half after Antoine Griezmann, looking to connect with a cross from the left, was hit in the head by Konstantinos Mavropanos.
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— Ethniki Omada (@EthnikiOmada) June 19, 2023–
1-0: H Εθνική Ομάδα πραγματοποίησε μια πολύ καλή εμφάνιση στο Stade de France αλλά ηττήθηκε για πρώτη φορά στη σειρά των #Euro2024Qualifiers χάρη στην εύστοχη εκτέλεση πέναλτι του Μπαπέ στο 55ο λεπτό. #FRAGRE #nationalteam #finalscore pic.twitter.com/2oucQtxDyq
Vlachodimos parried Mbappe’s spot kick but it had to be taken again as the keeper had left his goal line too early.
Mbappe found the top corner on his second attempt to score and Greece’s hopes were further dashed when Mavropanos picked up a straight red card when he took down Kolo Muani, who was rushing towards goal.
This was Greece’s first defeat in the Euro 2024 qualifiers for Group B. They are currently standing in second place against other nations such as Ireland, the Netherlands and Gibraltar. They will next face the Netherlands.
Source: Reuters.
