{"id":22464,"date":"2026-09-27T21:50:47","date_gmt":"2026-09-27T21:50:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/27\/national-team-defeat-germany-1-0-for-first-ever-win-greek-city-times\/"},"modified":"2026-09-27T21:50:47","modified_gmt":"2026-09-27T21:50:47","slug":"national-team-defeat-germany-1-0-for-first-ever-win-greek-city-times","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/27\/national-team-defeat-germany-1-0-for-first-ever-win-greek-city-times\/","title":{"rendered":"National Team Defeat Germany 1-0 for First Ever Win \u2013 Greek City Times"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div data-first=\"S\">\n<h2 id=\"h-greece-have-made-history-defeating-germany-1-0-in-augsburg-for-the-first-time-ever-and-making-it-two-wins-from-two-in-the-top-tier-of-the-nations-league\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Greece have made history, defeating Germany 1-0 in Augsburg for the first time ever and making it two wins from two in the top tier of the Nations League.<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1000240466.webp 560w,https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1000240466-300x169.webp 300w,https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1000240466-450x253.webp 450w,https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1000240466-20x11-1.webp 20w,https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1000240466-225x127.webp 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1000240466.webp\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1000240466.webp 560w, https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1000240466-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1000240466-450x253.webp 450w, https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1000240466-20x11-1.webp 20w, https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1000240466-225x127.webp 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" class=\"wp-image-603241 sp-no-webp\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\"\/> <\/source><\/picture><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dimitris Kourbelis was the unlikely hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 74th minute as Ivan Jovanovic\u2019s side produced another outstanding away performance just days after their victory over Serbia in Belgrade.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The result gives Greece a perfect start to their Nations League campaign, with two victories from two matches and both coming on the road against major European opposition.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And once again, Greece showed they can compete with the very best.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-tzolakis-stands-tall-as-greece-withstand-german-pressure\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tzolakis stands tall as Greece withstand German pressure<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Germany controlled much of the possession early on, but Greece remained disciplined and organised, limiting the hosts\u2019 opportunities to break through.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Greece created the first real chance in the eighth minute when Konstantinos Karetsas cut inside from the right and aimed for the far corner, only to see his effort drift narrowly wide.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Germany gradually increased the pressure and came close in the 27th minute when Karim Adeyemi broke forward and entered the penalty area, but his effort sailed over Konstantinos Tzolakis\u2019 goal.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Four minutes later, Tzolakis produced the first of several crucial saves.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adeyemi recovered possession on the edge of the box and fired towards goal, but the Greek goalkeeper reacted brilliantly to push the effort behind.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Germany continued to threaten, but Greece\u2019s defence stood firm, with Dinos Mavropanos particularly impressive in the challenges.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the 36th minute, Mavropanos produced an excellent tackle inside the area to deny Germany another dangerous opportunity.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-jovanovic-changes-the-game\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Jovanovic changes the game<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jovanovic made a change at half time, bringing on Manolis Saliakas for Giannis Konstantelias, who was already on a yellow card.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Germany started the second half aggressively.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the 49th minute, Tzolakis was again called into action, holding a difficult low effort from Nmecha.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then came another huge moment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Joshua Kimmich stepped up to take a free kick in the 53rd minute. His effort cleared the wall and appeared destined for the corner, but Tzolakis launched himself across goal to make a spectacular save.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The pressure continued, with Nmecha firing wide after another mistake from Greece during the build-up.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the momentum was about to change.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jovanovic introduced Dimitris Kourbelis and Fotis Ioannidis for Tetei and Christos Zafeiris, giving Greece greater experience, physical presence and balance in midfield.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The decision transformed the game.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Greece began to take control and became increasingly dangerous going forward.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-ioannidis-misses-huge-chance-before-kourbelis-delivers\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ioannidis misses huge chance before Kourbelis delivers<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the 67th minute, Greece came within inches of taking the lead.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vangelis Pavlidis won possession and played the ball into the path of Ioannidis, who found himself one-on-one with Germany goalkeeper N\u00fcbel.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His finish narrowly missed the right post.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But Greece did not have to wait much longer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seven minutes later, the breakthrough finally arrived.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pavlidis produced an excellent switch of play towards Christos Tzolis, who entered the penalty area and sent the ball back into a dangerous position.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ball took a deflection and fell perfectly for Kourbelis on the edge of the box.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The experienced midfielder struck the ball first time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It took another deflection before finding the back of the net, sending the Greek players and thousands of travelling supporters into wild celebrations.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Germany 0-1 Greece.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-greece-hold-on-for-historic-victory\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Greece hold on for historic victory<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Germany had around 15 minutes plus stoppage time to find an equaliser, but Greece defended brilliantly.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tzolakis remained composed, while Mavropanos, Panagiotis Retsos and the rest of the Greek defence repeatedly dealt with Germany\u2019s attempts to create a clear opening.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The final whistle confirmed one of the most significant victories in recent Greek football history.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Greece had beaten Germany for the first time ever.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After the historic win over Serbia in Belgrade, Jovanovic\u2019s team have now followed it with another stunning away victory.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two matches.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two wins.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two away victories.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And Greece are already dreaming of something much bigger in the Nations League.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-tzolakis-the-hero-between-the-posts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tzolakis the hero between the posts<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While Kourbelis scored the historic winner, Tzolakis was arguably Greece\u2019s most important player on the night.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goalkeeper produced several decisive saves, particularly during Germany\u2019s strongest spell early in the second half, keeping Greece in the match before Jovanovic\u2019s side took control.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mavropanos was also outstanding at the heart of the defence, winning crucial duels and producing a vital intervention in the first half.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jovanovic, meanwhile, got his substitutions right at exactly the moment Greece needed them, with Kourbelis ultimately becoming the match winner.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"h-germany-starting-xi\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Germany starting XI<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Germany (J\u00fcrgen Klopp):<\/strong> N\u00fcbel, Wagnoman, Bisseck, Tah, Brown (84\u2019 Behrens), Kimmich, Nmecha (84\u2019 Stach), Conte (65\u2019 Wirtz), Schade (65\u2019 Burkardt), Adeyemi (76\u2019 Gnabry), Emboutalib.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"h-greece-starting-xi\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Greece starting XI<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Greece (Ivan Jovanovic):<\/strong> Tzolakis, Vagiannidis (46\u2019 Saliakas), Mavropanos, Retsos, Tsimikas, Zafeiris (59\u2019 Kourbelis), Androutsos, Karetsas, Tzolis (81\u2019 Masouras), Tetei (59\u2019 Ioannidis), Pavlidis (89\u2019 Michailidis).<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Final score: Germany 0-1 Greece<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Scorer:<\/strong> Kourbelis 74\u2019<\/p>\n<footer class=\"article-tags entry-footer\">\n<div>\n\t\t<strong>Tags:<\/strong><br \/>\n\t\tAugsburg, Dimitris Kourbelis, football, Germany, Greece, Greece Football, Greece Germany, Greece news, Greek football, Greek national team, Ivan Jovanovic, Konstantinos Tzolakis\t<\/div>\n<\/footer>\n<div class=\"category_container author-information\">\n<div class=\"inner\">\n<section id=\"authorpage\" class=\"authorpage\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/99ca06517608e7af44e9761bf7c358974ffbc4a43859fd8e5be6fc2f50d341af?s=164&amp;r=g\" srcset=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/99ca06517608e7af44e9761bf7c358974ffbc4a43859fd8e5be6fc2f50d341af?s=328&amp;r=g 2x\" class=\"avatar avatar-164 photo lazyload\" height=\"164\" width=\"164\" decoding=\"async\"\/>\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"author-content\">\n<h5>Bill Giannopoulos<\/h5>\n<h4>Junior Editor<\/h4>\n<p>Bill Giannopoulos is a Junior Editor at Greek City Times, covering Greek and international news, sport, and history.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/greekcitytimes.gr\" class=\"boxed-icon fill\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-link\"\/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/2026\/09\/28\/greece-beat-germany-first-ever-win-nations-league\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Greece have made history, defeating Germany 1-0 in Augsburg for the first time ever and making it two wins from two in the top tier of the Nations League. Dimitris Kourbelis was the unlikely hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 74th minute as Ivan Jovanovic\u2019s side produced another outstanding away performance just days after &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"National Team Defeat Germany 1-0 for First Ever Win \u2013 Greek City Times\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/27\/national-team-defeat-germany-1-0-for-first-ever-win-greek-city-times\/#more-22464\" aria-label=\"Read more about National Team Defeat Germany 1-0 for First Ever Win \u2013 Greek City Times\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":22465,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":0,"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ethniki_kourbelis_eurokinisi.png.webp","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22464","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","no-featured-image-padding"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22464","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22464"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22464\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22465"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22464"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22464"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22464"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}