Greece Beat Netherlands to Top Group A2 Despite Late Reijnders Volley

The Netherlands fell to a 2-1 defeat against Greece after conceding twice before half-time, with Tijjani Reijnders’ late volley proving insufficient to rescue a point. Greece moved to the summit of Group A2 on seven points, while the Dutch remained second.

Key takeaways

• Greece established a two-goal interval advantage through Fotis Ioannidis and Giorgos Masouras.
• Konstantinos Tzolakis began the move for the opening goal with a long clearance after 23 minutes.
• Reijnders scored in the 89th minute after Joshua Zirkzee helped Noa Lang’s cross into his path.
• The Netherlands have five points, one ahead of Germany, while Serbia remain without a point after three losses.
• The Dutch will finish the international window at home to Serbia on Sunday.

Greece punish Dutch errors

Greece made a positive start and took control midway through the first half. Tzolakis sent the ball long from deep, Masouras redirected it forward and Ioannidis kept his composure to beat the goalkeeper for the opening goal.

The visitors struck again shortly before the interval after a mistake in the Netherlands midfield. Ioannidis seized on the loose pass and released Masouras, who finished the move to send Greece into the break 2-0 ahead.

The result put Greece first in Group A2 with seven points. The Netherlands stayed on five, with Germany third on four points.

Late Reijnders goal sets up Serbia test

The Netherlands continued to push in the second half and eventually reduced the deficit in the 89th minute. Lang delivered a cross into the area, Zirkzee got a touch to guide it on and Reijnders volleyed in from close range.

There was no further breakthrough, however, and the Dutch must now turn quickly to Sunday’s home match against Serbia. Xavi will prepare his squad for a fixture against the bottom side in the group, with Serbia having lost each of their opening three matches and still waiting for their first point.