Reijnders Strikes Late as Netherlands Battle Back for 2-2 Draw in Greece

Key Takeaways:

• The Netherlands came from 2-0 down to earn a 2-2 draw against Greece in the UEFA Nations League
• This result extended the Oranje’s unbeaten streak in competitive matches after normal time to 19 games (W10, D9)
• Greece remain unbeaten in League A Group 2 and top the standings with 7 points, two ahead of the Netherlands

Match Overview

Tijjani Reijnders netted a dramatic late leveller for the Netherlands, enabling Xavi Hernandez’s side to claw back a 2-2 draw with Greece in Thessaloniki and push their run of games without defeat in the regulation 90 minutes to 19 in all competitive competitions.

First-Half Drama in Thessaloniki

Greece entered the contest buoyed by victories over Serbia and Germany, and looked to take full advantage of an injury-stricken Dutch line-up. Early on, nerves were evident in the Netherlands camp, and the hosts threatened through Christos Tzolis, whose impressive individual strike was disallowed for offside within the opening quarter-hour.

A comeback to make it 2-2. ⚖️ pic.twitter.com/ldVTHgHh5n

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) October 1, 2026

Tzolis continued to impress until injury forced his early withdrawal with what appeared to be a hamstring issue, offering a sigh of relief for travelling Dutch fans but concern for observers including Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. Nevertheless, Ivan Jovanovic’s men pressed ahead and broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute through Fotis Ioannidis, who finished expertly past Bart Verbruggen after latching onto Georgios Masouras’ header.

Despite persistent efforts, the Netherlands failed to find a way through the Greek defence. Seconds before half-time, the hosts doubled their advantage as Ioannidis turned provider, setting up Masouras to slide home Greece’s second goal.

Second-Half Turnaround

Revitalised after the interval, the Dutch side halved the deficit in the 59th minute, with Virgil van Dijk heading in from a Joey Veerman corner delivery. The visitors believed the comeback was complete just six minutes later when Denzel Dumfries forced an error from Panagiotis Retsos and scored, but VAR intervened to rule that the initial challenge came from an offside position. Dumfries soon had another goal chalked off when he converted Van Dijk’s header, again from a Veerman corner, keeping the deficit at one.

With Greece’s narrow lead looking sufficient, late drama ensued. Noa Lang’s ball into the box caused confusion among the hosts’ defenders, allowing Reijnders to capitalise with a fierce volley and salvage a point for the Netherlands.

Statistical Highlights

Dominating the second period, the Netherlands were ultimately rewarded for their efforts, while also stretching their unbeaten away run in regulation to 13 matches (W7, D6).