Key Takeaways:
- Greece secured their first ever victory against Germany with a 1-0 win, courtesy of Dimitrios Kourbelis’ second-half goal
- Jurgen Klopp remains without a win after his opening two matches in charge of Germany
- Greece now top Group A2 following consecutive victories and have ended a sequence of four straight head-to-head defeats to Germany
Match Summary
Greece produced a sensational upset in Augsburg by defeating Germany 1-0, notching their maiden triumph over Die Mannschaft. Dimitrios Kourbelis was the unlikely hero, converting the decisive goal in the second half after a deflection off Joshua Kimmich left German goalkeeper Alexander Nubel wrongfooted. This result extends Jurgen Klopp’s wait for a first win as the national coach, having drawn his previous outing against the Netherlands.
FT: 🇩🇪 Germany 0-1 Greece 🇬🇷
For the first time in history Greece defeat Germany! A 2nd half finish from Dimitris Kourbelis gave the Ethniki a crucial victory away in Augsburg!#Greece #Ethniki #GERGRE pic.twitter.com/p7uWRi4Mu2
— Hellas Football (@HellasFooty) September 27, 2026
First Half Analysis
Germany, who made five alterations to their starting line-up, started sluggishly and struggled to find rhythm in the early exchanges. Their best early opportunity fell to debutant Bambase Conte within three minutes, with his shot narrowly missing the target. The hosts gradually began to assert control around the half-hour mark, notably through Karim Adeyemi, whose surging run into the box ended with a shot blazed over. Adeyemi continued to threaten and forced a notable save from distance, but the German side finished the half goalless, snapping a streak of 10 consecutive matches featuring goals for either or both teams.
Germany’s Missed Chances and Greek Resolve
Following the interval, Germany maintained pressure but remained unable to break the deadlock. As the home side committed more players forward in search of an opener, defensive vulnerabilities emerged. Greece capitalised on these gaps, with Christos Tzolis nearly making the breakthrough in the 73rd minute. His drive down the right flank resulted in a cross that failed to connect with a teammate, but the warning signs were clear.
A minute later, Greece delivered the decisive blow. Tzolis, this time cutting in from the left, delivered a ball that deflected to Kourbelis on the edge of the area. The Asteras Tripolis midfielder’s effort struck Kimmich and spun beyond Nubel, leaving the German defence and supporters stunned.
Looking Ahead
Germany were unable to mount a credible response in the closing stages and lacked an attacking edge after falling behind, a concern Klopp must address prior to their next fixture at home against Serbia. The German team’s wait for a win now extends to four matches.
