The Netherlands stared at a second straight Nations League setback in Greece before finding a way back through their leaders, Virgil van Dijk and Tijjani Reijnders. A 2-2 draw in Athens kept Xavi’s unbeaten start as Dutch coach alive, although it came after a difficult evening against the Group 2 leaders.
Netherlands fight back in Greece
- The Dutch arrived after drawing 1-1 with Germany the previous Thursday and winning 2-1 away to Serbia on Sunday, giving Xavi an unbeaten opening to his time in charge.
- Greece made the stronger start on Thursday night, repeatedly moving into dangerous positions around Bart Verbruggen’s goal.
- Fotis Ioannidis put the home side ahead in the 23rd minute.
- Georgios Masouras doubled Greece’s advantage in first-half stoppage time, scoring in the 45th minute plus two.
- Van Dijk, wearing the captain’s armband, gave the Netherlands a route back when he headed home in the 59th minute.
- Reijnders completed the recovery in the 89th minute, securing a point from a match that had appeared to be slipping away.
Group picture
Greece remain top of Nations League Group 2 with seven points. The Netherlands are two points behind them after their late rescue act.
Germany, currently third on four points, will travel to Greece on Sunday. The Netherlands will be at home to Serbia in their next fixture.
