Germany return to Group A2 action against Greece with immediate questions over control, selection and their ability to turn a fragile opening performance into a more authoritative European night. Greece arrive after an impressive win in Serbia and intend to show they are contenders rather than spectators in a demanding section.
Key takeaways
- Germany have made five changes from the side that faced the Netherlands, including a new goalkeeper.
- Joshua Kimmich, Felix Nmecha and Karim Adeyemi keep their places in the German team.
- Greece are set up in a clear 4-4-2 under Ivan Jovanovic, with Christos Tzolis operating from the left.
- Vangelis Pavlidis is regarded as Greece’s principal attacking threat.
- Germany conceded 22 attempts in their opening match, while producing only seven of their own.
- Greece began the group by winning away to Serbia.
Germany seek a steadier response
The German coaching staff have continued their experimentation for the second Group A2 fixture, altering half the side that played the Netherlands. Kimmich, Nmecha and Adeyemi are the notable survivors, while the change between the posts underlines the scale of the reshuffle.
The need for a stronger collective display is clear after Germany’s first outing. Marc-André ter Stegen made nine saves to prevent a far heavier setback, with Germany repeatedly exposed as the Netherlands registered 22 shots. Germany managed seven attempts themselves.
That match ended with Cody Gakpo scoring late to rescue a point for the Netherlands in Xavi’s first game in charge. Ter Stegen’s work ensured Germany avoided a damaging defeat in Jürgen Klopp’s debut.
Adeyemi, now with Barcelona, has made a lively start for his club and remains one of Germany’s key attacking pieces. Speaking before joining up with the national side, he said that his first act on arriving in Barcelona had been to go to the beach.
Greece arrive with belief
Jovanovic’s Greece bring the confidence of their opening victory in Serbia, a result that has given their campaign early momentum. Their shape is expected to be direct and recognisable: a pronounced 4-4-2, with Tzolis providing width on the left and Pavlidis carrying much of the goal threat.
For Germany, the contest is therefore about more than taking points at home. A tighter defensive performance would ease the concern created by their opening numbers, while Greece can strengthen their standing in the group if their Serbian success proves to be the start of something more substantial.
