10-man Greece Under-21’s beaten by Germany
INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY
Greece’s Under-21 side were soundly beaten 2-0 by Germany on Thursday in a friendly match in Zwickau in a match which saw them have Atromitos defender Alexandros Katranis sent-off.
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In his fifth international appearance, Lukas Nmecha scored the first of Germany’s two goals 25 minutes into the game. After Katranis’ dismissal for a last-man foul in the 38th minute, the Germans looked comfortable with a one-man advantage and Niklas Dorsch made it 2-0 just shy of the hour mark.
The result and performance was not the best preparation for Giannis Goumas’ Greece youngsters as they prepare to face Lithuania next Tuesday in their first European qualifier.
For Germany, it marked a successful start for the new era of players under Stefan Kuntz’s management, giving the players confidence ahead of their own European qualifier against Wales.
Kuntz named eight U21 newcomers in his starting eleven with only Johannes Eggestein, Nmecha and goalkeeper Markus Schubert remaining from the European Championship this summer.
The latter was called into action straight away, but comfortably saved Tasos Douvikas’ effort. End-to-end football ensued, as the Germany players tried to settle into their new surroundings.
Gradually, Kuntz’s men began to enjoy the better of the chances, with Eggestein’s long-range effort testing the goalkeeper, but Greece were not shying away: 21 minutes into the game, Maxime Awoudja came to his centre-back partner’s rescue with a last-ditch clearance.
Shortly after, Germany were rewarded for their minimal dominance. Following some top-class link-up play between Ridle Baku and Felix Agu, the Osnabrück man darted his way into a crossing position on the right wing and provided the perfect delivery for Nmecha in the middle, who fumbled the ball over the line with his hip.
The Germany continued to set the pace and created multiple goalscoring opportunities. With half time beckoning, Greece suffered a major setback after Nmecha, through on goal, was brought down. Consequently, the visitors sat further and further back for the remainder of the game.
After the break, Kuntz fielded a completely new side, with Dennis Geiger taking the captain’s armband from Jojo Eggestein. The new eleven dominated every aspect of the game and soon rewarded themselves through Niklas Dorsch (59’).
Moments later, it could have been three, but Robin Hack was denied by the post after being set up by Geiger.
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