Greece defeated Germany 1-0 in a UEFA Nations League match in Augsburg on Sunday, securing a historic first victory over the German national team and inflicting Jürgen Klopp's first loss as Germany manager.
Dimitrios Kourbelis scored the decisive goal in the 74th minute. The Greek midfielder capitalized on a counterattack, with Christos Tzolis driving into the penalty area before setting up Kourbelis for the finish. The ball deflected off Antonio Rudiger before crossing the line past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Germany dominated possession throughout the match, controlling 79 percent of the ball in the first half and creating several opportunities. Karim Adeyemi had two of Germany's best chances in the opening period, including a counterattack opportunity in the 26th minute. Serge Gnabry attempted a low shot early in the second half, but Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Tzolakis made a firm save. Despite their territorial advantage, Germany's organized opponents frustrated their attacking efforts and prevented them from equalizing after falling behind.
Greece's approach was pragmatic and direct. The visitors did not register a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes but created additional scoring opportunities both before and after Kourbelis's goal, capitalizing on their chances when they came.
The result was only Klopp's second match in charge of Germany. He made his debut on Thursday with a 1-1 draw away to the Netherlands in Amsterdam. Germany was without key attacking players Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala due to injury, and Alexander Nübel, the Beşiktaş goalkeeper, started and played the full 90 minutes.
Greece moved to the top of Group A2 with six points from two matches, having also defeated Serbia 2-1 in their opening fixture. The Netherlands sits second with four points after defeating Serbia 2-1 on Sunday in their debut under manager Xavi Hernández. Germany remains without a victory in the competition, holding one point from two matches.
Greece will next face the Netherlands at home, while Germany will host Serbia in their third group match. Klopp had selected 44 players for Germany's first four Nations League matches, dividing them into two groups with each player scheduled to appear in two games.