Thessaloniki is preparing for a Nations League night with an unfamiliar but compelling balance of power: Greece, rich in emerging talent and unbeaten at the summit of Group A2 after three rounds, welcome Germany determined to protect first place.
The Greek side have already made their mark in this section by winning away in Germany, a result that has strengthened the sense that Ivan Jovanovic’s team could become one of the competition’s surprises. Now the return fixture brings Germany to the Toumba Stadium, where the home crowd is expected to give Greece another formidable advantage.
Germany arrive in northern Greece seeking a response after that earlier defeat. Jürgen Klopp is still weighing substantial changes to his line-up as he continues to test personnel and search for the selection he wants to establish as his first-choice side.
The opening of Klopp’s tenure has brought few assurances, either in performances or results. Germany did record their first victory in their third match, beating Serbia in convincing fashion, but their displays against the Netherlands and Greece left significant room for improvement.
That makes the trip to Thessaloniki more than a routine group-stage assignment. Germany need revenge and greater clarity under their new coach, while Greece can take a major step towards retaining control of Group A2.
Jovanovic will, however, have to plan without one of his key players. Tzolis is injured and unavailable for Greece, removing an important attacking option from a squad that has impressed through the first three matchdays.
Even so, Greece will have the backing of Toumba. The stadium’s intense atmosphere has long made it an uncomfortable destination for visiting teams, and Germany will discover whether Klopp’s ongoing reshaping of the side can withstand a night when the group leaders have every reason to believe in themselves.
