Klopp suffers first Germany defeat as Greece win 1-0 to top group

Jürgen Klopp suffered his first defeat as Germany head coach on Sunday, a 1-0 home loss to Greece in Augsburg that leaves the Germans with just one point from their opening two Nations League matches. The Greeks, leaders of Group A2 with a perfect record, also secured a landmark result: it was the first time they have ever beaten Germany.

• Greece won 1-0 thanks to a 74th-minute goal from Dimitrios Kourbelis.
• It was Klopp's first defeat after Thursday's 1-1 draw against the Netherlands.
• Konstantinos Tzolakis kept Greece in the game with several key saves.
• Karim Adeyemi created Germany's clearest chances but failed to score.
• Klopp picked Alexander Nübel in goal instead of Marc-André ter Stegen.

Kourbelis goal makes history for Greece

The game was decided midway through the second half, once Greece began to push back after absorbing long spells of German pressure. In the 67th minute, Ioannidis wasted a golden chance following a strong ball recovery from Pavlidis. Seven minutes later, Dimitrios Kourbelis arrived from deep to meet a cross and beat Nübel with his left foot; the ball, deflected by Kimmich, nestled inside the near post. The strike made Greece the first team in their history to defeat Germany.

Adeyemi carries Germany's only real threat

Karim Adeyemi produced Germany's most dangerous moments in the first half. In the 26th minute he led a quick counter down the left and fired just wide; later, with his left foot, he forced a fine save from Tzolakis. The Greek goalkeeper delivered an outstanding performance with three more important stops, including one to deny Serge Gnabry, who replaced Adeyemi in the 75th minute.

Nübel replaces Ter Stegen between the posts

After starting with Marc-André ter Stegen in the opener against the Netherlands, Klopp rotated his goalkeepers and handed Alexander Nübel the shirt. The Stuttgart keeper could not keep out Greece's winner, and Germany looked imprecise for much of the contest despite controlling possession.

How Group A2 stands in the Nations League

Greece sit top of Group A2 with six points after winning their first two matches. The Netherlands, now managed by Xavi Hernández, have four following a 2-1 victory over Serbia after Thursday's 1-1 draw with Germany. The Germans, stuck on one point, need a reaction in their next two fixtures: they host Serbia on Thursday and visit Greece on Sunday.

Room for improvement in Klopp's Germany

Klopp's start in the Germany dugout has fallen short of expectations. His first match ended in a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands, and Sunday brought a first defeat, a modest return for a national team accustomed to fighting for trophies. A lack of cutting edge in the final third and vulnerability in transition left Germany without an answer once the scoreline turned against them.

Substitutions that did not change the game

Klopp reshaped his side after the interval: in the 65th minute he sent on Florian Wirtz for Bambasé Conté, and ten minutes later Gnabry replaced Adeyemi. Neither change altered the flow of the match, as Greece managed the game with composure after taking the lead to claim a hugely valuable away win.

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