Douvikas’ Stoppage-Time Header Seals Greece Comeback Win Over Serbia

Greece opened their UEFA Nations League League A campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Serbia in Belgrade, overturning Andrija Zivkovic’s fourth-minute opener through Christos Tzolis and a stoppage-time header from Tasos Douvikas at the Rajko Mitic Stadium.

What changed for Greece

Serbia’s early goal put Greece under immediate pressure in a hostile away setting, but Ivan Jovanovic’s side stayed composed and steadily forced their way back into the contest. Tzolis was a persistent threat against the home defence and brought Greece level in the 74th minute.

The 24-year-old said the response after conceding so quickly was the key to the result. Greece did not lose their composure, he said, and their eventual victory was deserved after creating 21 attempts against a strong performance from Serbia goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.

“I am very happy that we managed to turn it around,” Tzolis said. “Conceding so early at the opponent’s ground was difficult, but we did not play with anxiety. Even though the winning goal came right at the end, we deserved to score sooner.”

With the match still level late on, Jovanovic made a bold attacking alteration, changing to a 4-2-4 and using five forwards together:

• Vangelis Pavlidis
• Fotis Ioannidis
• Charalampos Kostoulas
• Christian Tetteis
• Tasos Douvikas

The move left Greece more exposed at the other end, but their sustained pressure delivered the decisive moment when substitute Douvikas headed in during the 95th minute.

Jovanovic acknowledged that the decision carried risks. He said he had suffered while watching his side commit so many attacking players forward, but felt a gamble was necessary after Greece had created repeated chances. The coach was pleased with the contribution of each of the five forwards.

Competition context

The win places Greece at the top of Group A2 alongside the Netherlands after the first round of fixtures. More importantly, it gives Jovanovic’s squad three away points to begin their League A schedule.

Tzolis’s equaliser and Douvikas’s late winner rewarded Greece’s aggressive approach, although the forward has stressed that the team must retain its defensive discipline and tactical concentration when facing stronger European opposition.

For Greece, the Belgrade result also showed that the side can recover from an early setback rather than chase the game recklessly. Their ability to create 21 attempts against Serbia offered encouragement, while the late 4-2-4 switch underlined Jovanovic’s willingness to alter the match when required.

What is scheduled next

Greece will recover in Belgrade before travelling to Augsburg for Sunday’s second Group A2 match against Germany. Jovanovic’s side will aim to take the attacking confidence gained from their comeback in Serbia into another demanding away fixture.