Greece Hand Jürgen Klopp First Germany Defeat in Nations League
Germany suffered Jürgen Klopp’s first defeat as national-team coach after Greece claimed a 1-0 UEFA Nations League victory at Augsburg’s WWK Arena, sealing their first win over Germany in the process.
Dimitris Kourbelis settled the contest in the 74th minute when his effort took a deflection on its way past the Germany goalkeeper. The result moved Greece into sole possession of first place in the group, while Germany face added pressure before their next fixture.
How Greece took the points
- Germany controlled much of the ball, with Joshua Kimmich and Felix Nmecha central to their possession game, but could not turn that territorial advantage into goals.
- Greece stayed compact and disciplined defensively, repeatedly frustrating the hosts in the decisive areas of the pitch.
- Ivan Jovanovic’s side also carried a threat on the counter-attack, a plan Klopp recognised after the final whistle.
- Kourbelis’s deflected 74th-minute strike gave the visitors the breakthrough and proved enough for a landmark away win.
Klopp promises selection changes
Klopp said a draw would have been much easier to accept, although he felt Germany had not merited defeat. He accepted that Greece had executed their plan effectively and said his side must show greater belief and precision when controlling a match.
The 59-year-old also highlighted the way Greece disrupted Germany’s rhythm. He confirmed that changes will be made to the squad and starting team, with the coaching staff set to review the match footage and address positional mistakes.
Klopp believes the defeat can still provide useful lessons, particularly with opponents uncertain about how a reshaped Germany side may line up in the next game.
Next Nations League fixtures
- Germany leave Augsburg to prepare for Serbia, who visit the Allianz Arena in Munich on Thursday evening.
- Klopp’s side need a home win to revive their group campaign and deliver his first competitive victory on German soil since his appointment.
- Greece return to Thessaloniki on the same night to face the Netherlands, aiming to protect their position at the top of the standings.
