The Greek national football team ended their Nations League campaign on a high note, earning a confident 2-0 victory over Finland on Tuesday. Goals from captain Tasos Bakasetas and winger Dimitris Tzolis highlighted a revitalized performance under coach Ivan Jovanovic, as Greece showcased the progress they have made under his leadership.
Throughout the first half, Greece controlled possession and dictated the tempo, but they found it difficult to break down Finland’s organized and resolute defense. Despite their dominance, clear scoring opportunities were limited, with the Greek attack largely stifled in the final third. Finland, while largely on the back foot, posed occasional threats from set pieces, keeping the Greek defense alert.
The second half saw a sharper and more determined Greek side. In the 52nd minute, Konstantinos Koulierakis delivered a perfectly timed through ball into the box, where Bakasetas demonstrated his composure by finishing neatly past Finnish goalkeeper Lukas Joronen. Just four minutes later, a defensive error from Joronen led to Greece’s second goal. The Finnish goalkeeper’s misplaced clearance fell to Tzolis, who reacted swiftly with an audacious chip from long range that sailed into the net, doubling the lead and earning applause for its precision.
While the victory wasn’t enough to secure promotion to League A, it served as a positive statement for Greek fans ahead of the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The team displayed a blend of attacking creativity, defensive organization, and improved cohesion—key aspects of Jovanovic’s philosophy.
The match also featured a historic moment for Greek football, as 17-year-old Christos Mouzakitis made his senior debut in the final minutes, becoming the youngest player ever to represent Greece in an official match. His inclusion capped off an inspiring night for a team looking to build momentum for the future.
