In a UEFA Nations League Group B2 fixture held at Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis in Piraeus, Greece hosted Finland for a crucial clash. Both teams aimed to gain momentum in the competition, with Greece looking to cement their place at the top, while Finland hoped to push higher in the standings. In the end, it was Greece who delivered an impressive 3-0 victory, showcasing dominance in attack and defensive stability.
Greece vs Finland Head-to-Head Record
Greece came into this match with a superior head-to-head record, boasting 10 wins compared to Finland’s 6, while the two nations had shared the spoils on 3 occasions. With Greece scoring 32 goals against Finland’s 22, the odds favored the hosts to extend their lead in this rivalry.
Greece vs Finland Lineups
Here is the Greece National Football Team vs Finland National Football Team lineups today (Sep 8, 2024)
Greece (Coach: Ivan Jovanović):
- Starting XI: Vlachodimos; Rota, Mavropanos, Koulierakis, Tsimikas; Mantalos, Bouchalakis, Pelkas, Chatzigiovanis, Bakasetas (C); Ioannidis
- Substitutes: Tzolakis (GK), Mandas (GK), Vagiannidis, Galanopoulos, Tzolis, Douvikas, Pavlidis, Hatzidiakos, Konstantelias, Zafeiris, Giannoulis, Siopis
Finland (Coach: Markku Kanerva):
- Starting XI: Hradecky (C); Peltola, Ivanov, Hoskonen, Ståhl; Kamara, Lod, Schüller, Antman; Galvez, Källman
- Substitutes: Joronen (GK), Sinisalo (GK), Väisänen, Jensen, Pukki, Keskinen, Tenho, Nissilä, Uronen, Pohjanpalo, Walta, Niskanen
Greece vs Finland First Half
The match kicked off with Greece quickly establishing control of the midfield, pressing Finland high up the pitch. By the 23rd minute, Greece’s Fotis Ioannidis capitalized on a loose ball inside the box to break the deadlock, sending the home fans into a frenzy with a precise finish.
Finland attempted to respond but found it difficult to break down the well-organized Greek defense. In the 37th minute, a slice of misfortune for Finland saw Benjamin Källman score an own goal after an awkward deflection from a corner taken by Tsimikas, extending Greece’s lead to 2-0.
Half-Time Score: Greece 2-0 Finland
Greece vs Finland Second Half
The second half resumed with Finland making several substitutions to bring fresh legs into the game, but Greece’s resolute defense held firm. Despite Finland enjoying a slight edge in possession, they struggled to create clear-cut chances.
In the 76th minute, Ioannidis added to his tally, once again finding the back of the net following an excellent corner delivery by Bakasetas. The forward’s composed finish secured Greece’s third goal of the match, effectively sealing the result.
Full-Time Score: Greece 3-0 Finland
Greece vs Finland Timeline
- 1st Minute: Greece starts brightly as Pelkas has an early shot blocked.
- 23rd Minute (1-0): Ioannidis scores for Greece after a chaotic scramble in Finland’s box.
- 37th Minute (2-0): Källman scores an own goal from Tsimikas’ dangerous corner delivery.
- 50th Minute: Koulierakis (Greece) is booked for a foul on Källman.
- 65th Minute: Greece makes a double substitution, bringing on Zafeiris and Siopis to shore up the midfield.
- 76th Minute (3-0): Ioannidis scores again from a well-placed corner by Bakasetas.
- 90’+4: Peltola (Finland) and Zafeiris (Greece) both receive yellow cards as tensions rise towards the end.
Greece vs Finland Stats:
Here is the Greece National Football Team vs Finland National Football Team stats today (Sep 8, 2024)
- Possession: Greece 46% – 54% Finland
- Total Attempts: Greece 9 – 6 Finland
- Corners: Greece 6 – 2 Finland
- Passing Accuracy: Greece 85% – 86% Finland
- Fouls Committed: Greece 10 – 8 Finland
- Yellow Cards: Greece 3 – 2 Finland
- Clean Sheets: Greece 1 – 0 Finland
Impact on Points Table
With this 3-0 victory, Greece not only strengthened their position at the top of Group B2 but also boosted their goal difference, giving them a critical advantage as they look to secure promotion. Finland, on the other hand, faced an uphill battle in their quest for qualification, remaining mid-table after the loss.
Man of the Match
Fotis Ioannidis was the standout performer with his clinical finishing. Scoring twice, he consistently troubled the Finnish defense and proved to be the difference maker.
Greece delivered a masterclass in efficient football, controlling the game’s tempo and taking full advantage of their set-pieces. Finland’s attempts to break through were thwarted by Greece’s solid defensive organization. The win provides Greece with significant momentum as they aim to continue their strong Nations League campaign, while Finland will need to regroup quickly to avoid falling further behind in the group.
