Massive win for Greece U19s over group favorites England
Massive win for Greece U19s over group favorites England
UEFA 2019 U19 EURO QUAL. - ELITE ROUND (MATCHDAY 2)
The Greece U19s took down group favorites and hosts, England, 2:1 in matchday two of the Elite qualifying round and now sit top of Group 2 with four points.
After giving up a two-goal first half lead against Denmark in matchday one of the Elite qualifying round (ended in a 2:2 draw), the Greek team knew that only a win would do today against the group hosts and ultimate favorites, England, to control their destiny going into the final round of fixtures. The Ethniki Neon did just that and produced a fantastic display against the The Three Lions to walk away 2:1 victors.
The Greeks matched up against youngsters that play club football in the academies of Manchester City, Tottenham, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and others with the odds highly stacked against them. However, after a scoreless opening half hour, the Greeks struck first in the 34th minute with Liavas finding the back of the net from Meliopoulos’ assist. The hosts made changes and looked for an equalizer in the second half, but it was the Ethniki that struck again. From a corner, Mpotos’ flick-on header was turned in by Diamantis to double Greece’s lead in the 69th minute.
England were handed a lifeline in the 77th minute through a spotkick, however Nikopolidis came up big to deny Gibbs-White and maintain Greece’s two-goal lead. Vitaliotis, who committed the first penalty, wa flagged for a second offense inside the box and England where awarded a second spot kick, which was successfully converted by Gibbs-White. The second half stoppage time goal was too little too late for the Three Lions as Greece celebrated an important 2:1 win over the group favorites.
The result sees Greece move into first place of Group 2 with four points while England sit in second with three points. The Czech Republic and Denmark are currently in action with the Czechs ahead in the score. The Greek win means that Giannis Goumas’ men control their own fate heading into the final matchday of Euro 2019 qualifying when they play the Czech Republic (lost to England 4:1 on matchday one). Only the group winner will advance to the eight team final tournament.
Starting Lineups
Greece: Nikopolidis, Diamantis, Michailidis, Antzoulas, Lyratzis, Tsiggaras, Mpotos, Liavas, Meliopoulos, Emmanouilidis, Shehu
England: Bursik, Sessegnon, Panzo, Guehi, Lamptey, Gallagher, Gibbs-White, Povedo, Gomes, Appiah, Walker
Group 2 Standings
Greece 4 (4:3)
England 3 (5:3)
Denmark 1 (2:2)*
Czech Republic 0 (1:4)*
*Denmark and Czech Republic are currently playing in macthday two
by Sarantos Kaperonis
Image Source: onsports.gr
Thank you for visiting AGONAsport.com, the only English based website for Greek sports fans across the world! Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and Twitter for all the latest news in Greek Sports!