Germany’s difficult international window ended with another stalled night against Greece, a goalless draw leaving Jürgen Klopp’s side under real pressure in their group. One victory from four matches is a thin return, while Greece moved on to eight points and sit second with a quarter-final place increasingly within reach.
Quick facts
- Germany and Greece drew 0-0.
- Klopp’s team have won only once in four matches during this break.
- Greece are second in the group on eight points.
- Anthony Turpin ruled out a Germany goal after a VAR review for Bischof’s handball.
- Greece had beaten Germany a week earlier.
Klopp selected a completely different set of players from the side beaten by the Greeks seven days earlier, and Germany initially controlled the contest. Greece were pinned close to Odysseas Tzolakis’s goal, with their quick counter-attacks largely contained.
Florian Wirtz was Germany’s most lively figure between the lines, finding pockets of space but repeatedly being stopped at the decisive moment. He also supplied David Raum, whose effort was saved by Tzolakis.
Germany thought they had finally broken through after the half-hour when Jonathan Burkardt scored. The celebration did not last: Turpin was sent to the screen and disallowed the finish after spotting a handball by Bischof in the build-up.
Before the interval, Scherhant sent another German attempt over the crossbar. The pattern continued after the restart, with Klopp’s team spending long spells around the Greek penalty area without finding a finish.
Karl had a clear opening in the box but chose a pass that did not reach a teammate rather than shooting. Germany’s threat came mostly through deliveries towards Woltemade, introduced from the bench, and through Wirtz’s individual quality, yet the attacks became increasingly predictable.
As the match moved into its final phase, Ivan Jovanovic’s Greece grew in belief, lifted by the backing around the stadium. They began to test Bayern goalkeeper Jonas Urbig, who handled every intervention securely.
Germany nearly found a late winner when Trau arrived at the far post for a cross, but his first-time effort rose too high. Neither side created enough in the closing minutes to disturb the deadlock, leaving Greece closer to the knockout rounds and Germany with a much more complicated route ahead.
