Klopp Suffers Shock Loss on Home Debut

Jurgen Klopp’s first home match as Germany manager ended in a surprise 1-0 defeat to Greece in Augsburg.

Despite having more than 75% of the ball, Die Mannschaft failed to carve out many chances, with Karim Adeyemi coming closest to scoring in the first half, following a swift counter attack.

Joshua Kimmich forced a smart second-half save from Hull City goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis, before Greek substitute Fotis Ioannidis dragged a shot wide with the goal at his mercy shortly after.

Kourbelis the Matchwinner

But Ionnidis’ blushes were spared with 20 minutes to go.

Dimitrios Kourbelis found space on the edge of the Germany box, worked himself a yard before firing a deflected effort that trickled past Alexander Nübel to spark wild celebrations in the away end.

The hosts pushed for an equaliser but Greece held on for a first win over the Germans in eleven meetings, dating back to 1960.

The result puts Greece back to the top of League A Group 2, with Germany sitting third ahead of Thursday’s visit of Serbia.

Wins for Denmark and the Dutch

In the other game in Germany’s group, two goals from full debutant Mexx Meerdink gave the Netherlands a 2-1 win in Serbia.

The AZ Alkmaar man converted a 30th-minute penalty before Luka Jovic restored parity just seconds into the second half.

But Meerdink had the final say when he drilled home from a tight angle in the 69th minute to continue Xavi’s unbeaten start as manager.

It wasn’t such a good night for Craig Bellamy, as his Welsh side fell to a second defeat in three days, courtesy of a 2-0 loss to Denmark. 

The hosts made their dominance pay early in the second half when Wales captain Ben Davies turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Rasmus Hojlund.

And after having a superb goal disallowed in the first half, Gustav Isaksen scooped the ball past a crowd of players to make the points safe and leave Wales bottom of League A Group 4.