How did Greece secure the win against Serbia?
Greece overcame an early deficit to win 2-1 during their Nations League opener in Serbia. The match began poorly for the visitors, as Živković found the net in just the 4th minute, placing the hosts in an early lead at the Marakana. Despite the immediate setback, the team maintained composure throughout the match to execute a late-game turnaround that has provided a massive boost for the squad coached by Ivan Jovanović.
The momentum shifted significantly in the second half. Christos Tzolis provided the equalizer in the 74th minute, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion. The decisive moment arrived in stoppage time, specifically in the 95th minute, when Tasos Douvikas scored the winning goal. This 'buzzer beater' ensured a perfect start for Greece in League A, marking a significant achievement in their international campaign.
Key match statistics
The timeline of the match highlights the resilience required to secure the three points:
- 4th minute: Serbia goal (Živković)
- 74th minute: Greece equalizer (Tzolis)
- 95th minute: Greece winning goal (Douvikas)
When was Greece's last official comeback victory?
Prior to the match against Serbia in September 2026, Greece's last official comeback win occurred in November 2019. This victory took place at the Olympic Stadium (OAKA) during the final round of the EURO 2020 qualifying matches against Finland. This specific triumph was a crucial moment for the national side, as it broke a long period of difficulty in finding ways to win after conceding first in official competitions.
In that 2019 encounter, Finland took an early lead through Pukki in the 27th minute. The Greek national team adjusted their tactics in the second half to reclaim control. Petros Mantalos leveled the score in the 47th minute, and Kostas Galanopoulos secured the 2-1 win in the 70th minute. This victory at OAKA provided a blueprint for the kind of resilience seen in the recent Belgrade match, though the time elapsed between the equalizer and the winner was significantly shorter in the Finland game than in the recent contest against Serbia.
What are the historical precedents for Greek comebacks?
Greece has a documented history of securing victories after trailing, both at home and away. Analyzing previous matches reveals a pattern of late-game resilience in crucial qualifying stages, often occurring during high-stakes tournament preparation. These instances show that while comebacks are not frequent, they tend to happen during vital qualifying windows.
One notable away comeback occurred on October 7, 2017, during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Cyprus. Although Cyprus took the lead in the 18th minute via Pieros Sotiriou, Greece responded rapidly. Mitroglou equalized in the 24th minute, and Tzolis scored just two minutes later to finalize a 2-1 victory. This match demonstrated the team's ability to strike quickly following an opponent's opening goal, showing a different kind of resilience compared to the long-wait turnaround seen against Serbia.
Another significant away comeback took place on September 7, 2012, during the 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Latvia. Latvia had taken the lead in the 40th minute through Čaunins. However, Greece turned the game around in the second half, with Spyropoulos equalizing in the 56th minute and Gekas scoring the winner in the 69th minute. These historical examples provide context for the importance of the recent win in Belgrade, illustrating that the ability to fight back is a recurring, albeit infrequent, trait in the national team's history. The 2012 and 2017 wins both resulted in 2-1 scores, mirroring the outcome against Serbia.
What does this victory mean for the team's future?
The win against Serbia provides vital momentum for Greece as they navigate the Nations League League A. Beyond the three points, the psychological impact of winning away from home after trailing cannot be overstated for the players and coaching staff. It establishes a precedent of resilience for the group under Ivan Jovanović.
Following this performance, the team's outlook remains focused on maintaining consistency. While the victory is a significant achievement, officials and players alike have emphasized the need for grounded expectations. Pavlidis noted that while the win is great, the team must keep their feet on the ground to ensure long-term success in the tournament. This sentiment highlights the balance between celebrating a major comeback and preparing for the rigors of League A competition. The team's recent history of comebacks suggests a capacity for high-pressure performance, but the focus now shifts to maintaining this standard throughout the league phase.
Frequently asked questions
Who scored the winning goal for Greece against Serbia?
Tasos Douvikas scored the winning goal for Greece. His strike occurred in the 95th minute of the match, acting as a 'buzzer beater' to secure the 2-1 victory against Serbia in the Nations League premiere.
When was the last time Greece won a game after trailing?
Before the September 2026 match against Serbia, Greece's last official comeback win was against Finland on November 18, 2019. That match, played at OAKA for the EURO 2020 qualifiers, ended 2-1 in favor of Greece.
How did the match against Serbia progress?
Serbia took an early lead in the 4th minute through Živković. Greece responded in the second half with a goal from Christos Tzolis in the 74th minute, followed by Tasos Douvikas's winner in the 95th minute, resulting in a 2-1 scoreline.
Has Greece had successful away comebacks before?
Yes, Greece has achieved away comebacks, such as the 2-1 win against Cyprus in October 2017 and a 2-1 victory against Latvia in September 2012. Both matches involved Greece trailing before scoring multiple goals to win.
What is the significance of this win for Ivan Jovanović?
The win is highly significant for coach Ivan Jovanović as it marks a successful start to the Nations League League A campaign. Overcoming a deficit in a high-pressure away environment like the Marakana reinforces the team's tactical resilience.
