Mouzakitis makes history as Greece secures 2-0 victory over Finland

·

Greece’s national team did what was necessary, securing a 2-0 victory against Finland at Helsinki’s Olympic Stadium—their first-ever away win over Finland in history. With this result, Greece completed their obligations in Group 2 of League B in the Nations League, finishing with five wins from six matches.

Greece amassed 15 points, equal to England’s tally, but the “Three Lions” claimed first place due to a superior goal difference, having thrashed Ireland 5-0 at the same time.

England earned direct promotion to League A, but the target remains achievable for Greece who will fight for promotion in the playoffs in March 2025.

Moreover, beyond promotion, Greece could secure a second chance to participate in the 2026 World Cup qualification playoffs, with Ivan Jovanović’s team set to enter Pot 2 in the draw.

From a tactical standpoint, the national team controlled possession from the outset. This was achieved without much difficulty, as the hosts opted for a defensive setup, playing with three centre-backs and waiting for their opponent.

While Greece moved the ball well, they lacked the pace required for the match, showing a clear deficit in freshness and energy—undoubtedly influenced by Thursday’s defeat to England.

The Finns left little space, and the choices made by Jovanović’s players in the final third were not ideal, resulting in a lack of significant chances in front of Joronen’s goal.

There was also inefficiency in set pieces, with Greece executing several corners in the first 45 minutes. However, apart from two off-target headers by Mavropanos (8’, 15’) from Bakasetas’ deliveries, there was little to show for their efforts.

The best chance of the first half came in the 38th minute when Pavlidis entered the box and shot, with Hoskonen deflecting it onto Masouras, only for the ball to go wide.

The second half was a stark contrast, with Greece starting strongly and opening the scoring in the 52nd minute through a Bakasetas strike following a brilliant through ball by Koulierakis.

Before the hosts could regroup, they found themselves chasing a two-goal deficit. Four minutes later (56’), after a long ball from Mavropanos, Joronen cleared with a header, only for Tzolis to lob the ball into the net from distance, sealing the game at 2-0.

In the 90th minute, Ivan Jovanović substituted in Christos Mouzakitis, who became the youngest player in the history of the Greek national team to feature in an official match.

Source: real.gr

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

A postcard brought to life: Billy Cotsis explores the soul of Patmos

There is something about the freedom of being out on the Aegean. One can visit small islands, more populated islands, deserted beaches or simply go fishing.

From tragedy to triumph: Christina Vithoulkas becomes Australia’s first female para drifter

Vithoulkas never lost her love for extreme sports. Now 30, she has found the same thrill in drifting—a motorsport where cars slide sideways.

Program of the 11th International Summer University in Boston announced

The 11th International Summer University "Greek Language, Culture and Media" will take place from May 24-29 in Boston.

Hellenic Writer’s Association of Australia hold student literary competition

The Hellenic Writers’ Association of Australia has announced its annual Student Literary Competition, titled “From Greece to the World”.

Athens university develops first tool to measure TikTok addiction

A research team from the University of Athens has created the world’s first tool specifically designed to assess addiction to TikTok.

You May Also Like

Athens jumps 19 places in the global liveability index

The Greek capital city of Athens has jumped nineteen places in the Global Liveability Index 2022 to 73rd place.

OXI Day military and school parades cancelled across Greece this year

Greece's traditional military and school parades on October 28th will not take place this year due to coronavirus concerns.

Sydney FC sign in-demand teenager Nathan Amanatidis

Sydney FC have won the race to sign in-demand Australian teenage winger Nathan Amanatidis on a three-year contract.