FOOTBALL – Greece scored a 74th-minute goal through Dimitris Kourbelis to stun hosts Germany 1-0 in their Nations League Group A2 yesterday to top the group and spoil coach Juergen Klopp’s home debut on the German bench.
Joao Felix scored for the second consecutive Nations League match as defending champions Portugal edged past hosts Norway 2-1 to top Group A4 with two wins from two matches so far.
The Norwegians cancelled out Felix’s 17th-minute lead with Erling Haaland’s equaliser before Goncalo Ramos’ chip won it for the visitors.
Ben Davies scored a 53rd-minute own goal and Gustav Isaksen added another on the hour as Denmark eased past Wales 2-0 to earn their first points in Group A4.
In a politically charged encounter in Group B3, Ireland scored twice in three minutes early in the first half to ease past Israel 3-0.
It was the first ever victory for the Greeks in 11 matches against the Germans, and they now lead their group on six points from two matches. Germany are on one point.
The hosts were in control for most of the game and had close to 80 per cent possession in the first half alone but they were ultimately punished for sloppy defending, especially in the second half, which gave the Greeks space to attack.
Klopp, who took over in July after Germany’s early World Cup exit, has now failed to win either of his two matches in charge following a 1-1 draw against the Dutch in Amsterdam on Thursday.
Despite enjoying a dominant first half it was only after they upped their tempo and started pressing higher that Germany carved out scoring chances.