After a 2-0 win against Ireland at Karaiskakis, Greece reached four victories in four matches, gaining momentum from their “double” victory at Wembley.
The Greek National team persevered its winning streak in the Nations League.
In their first meeting on Greek soil following the tragic loss of teammate George Baldock, the players dedicated the goals and the win to him, repeatedly showing their black armbands.
The national team played effectively to defeat Ireland 2-0 at “Karaiskakis” and secure their fourth consecutive Nations League victory.
Tasos Bakasetas scored in the 48th minute, and Petros Mandalos scored once more in stoppage time (90+2 minutes). Greece now solely needs a draw against England on November 14 to secure first place in Group B of the second division in the Nations League.
Greece’s defensive mistake
The national team was excellent in the first half, although they almost found themselves behind on the scoreboard. In the fifth minute, due to a defensive mistake, the ball reached Ferguson’s feet in the area, but Rota managed to block him, causing Ferguson to lose his balance and miss. From then until the half-hour mark, Greece was on fire, only denied a goal thanks to Kelleher’s excellent form.
The Liverpool goalkeeper made an impressive save on a great opportunity by Pavlidis in the 11th minute.
He also made a double save on shots from Bakasetas and Pavlidis in the 19th minute. It was followed by a save from Giannoulis’ shot in the 30th minute. It was only natural that the momentum of the Greek team would temporarily slow down by half-time.
Goal – Dedication to Baldock
As the second half began and before the Irish could think about leaving Faliro with a positive result, Greece opened the scoring.
Tasos Bakasetas found himself in a shooting position at the edge of the area. He scored with a powerful right-footed shot in the 48th minute, making it 1-0.
He then removed the black armband from his left arm and raised it to the sky, dedicating the goal to his bereaved teammate, George Baldock.
Vlachodemos “Turns Off” the Pressure, 2-0 Mandalos
In the 69th minute, Vlachodemos made a key save on Taylor’s header as the Irish became increasingly threatening. At the same time, Jovanovic made successive changes to give the team a breather.
Greece came under intense pressure, but it did not result in significant chances.
The Greek team absorbed the pressure, managed the clock, and did not allow their opponents to capitalize on the expected fatigue after last Thursday’s hard-fought win at Wembley. In stoppage time, Kelleher’s error effectively handed an assist to Mandalos. The AEK midfielder sealed the victory at 90+2 minutes.
Greece has now taken the penultimate step toward qualifying for the Final 4 of the division. A promotion to League A will follow. A point against England in Faliro on November 14 will secure first place in Group B.
Match Officials and Lineups for Greece vs. Ireland
Referee: Joey Coui (Netherlands)
Yellows: Giannoulis, Kourbelis
GREECE (Ivan Yovanovitch): Vlachodimos, Rota, Hatzidiakos, Mavropanos, Giannoulis – Siopis, Kourbelis (82′ Mandalos), Tzolis (82′ Tsimikas), Bakasetas (72′ Zafeiris) , Masouras (65′ Pelkas), Pavlidis (71′ Douvikas)
IRELAND (Heimir Hallgrimsson): Kelleher, Brady, Scales, Collins, O’Shea (82′ McAteer), Cullen, Knight (74′ Molouby), Smodics (74′ Johnston), Parrott, Ferguson (57′ Taylor), Ogbene ( 57′ Embosele)