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

greek film festival melbourne

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

The Greek Herald finalists lead the way in 2025 Greek International Women Awards

The Greek Herald’s own Dimitra Skalkos and Andriana Simos are finalists in the 2025 Greek International Women Awards.

Football Victoria honours South Melbourne FC legend Michalis Mandalis

The new Football Victoria Chair Angela Williams paid tribute to former footballer and long-time South Melbourne FC legend Michalis Mandalis.

Greek Orthodox community in Liverpool raises $20,000 for McGrath Foundation

The spirit of faith, community and compassion was on full display at the “Splash of Pink” charity afternoon tea.

WWII-era rifle used in Croydon Park shooting sparks firearm law debate

A WWII-era M1 Carbine rifle has become the focus of investigations into the Croydon Park shooting. Read more here.

PASOK intensifies pressure for reopening of GNTO Office in Melbourne

Pressure on Greece's Ministry of Tourism to reopen the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) Office in Melbourne is intensifying.

You May Also Like

From roast lamb to gift giving: A Greek Australian’s Christmas in Greece

From roast lamb to gift giving: Kathy Karageorgiou shares her Greek Australian Christmas in Greece with The Greek Herald.

OXI Day message to the Greek diaspora by Kostas Vlasis

Σήμερα o απανταχού Ελληνισμός γιορτάζει. Είναι η μέρα, που η Ελλάδα µας ύψωσε το ανάστημά της και βροντοφώναξε "ΟΧΙ" ενάντια στον ωμό και αυθάδη εκβιασμό-...

A morning of meaning: Jenny Souris Foundation Brunch unites women

A room of women came together on Wednesday, May 28, at the Friends of Jenny Brunch — a fundraiser hosted by the Jenny Souris Foundation.