Ireland – Greece

Europe - European Championship, Qualification Group B, Round 7

13/10/2023 - 20.45 CET

After their 3-0 defeat in Eindhoven to the Netherlands on 7/9, where they showed a weak performance and conceded three goals within a span of 22 minutes (from the 17th to the 39th minute), they bounced back against Gibraltar on 10/9 during the previous break. They triumphed 5-0 in New Philadelphia and now sit third in the group, level on points with the Netherlands but having played fewer matches. The goals were netted by Pelkas (9', with an assist from Foundas), Mavropanos (23' assisted by Pelkas, and 83' assisted by Bakasetas), and Masouras (70', 90'+1 assisted by Giakoumakis). This keeps Greece on the path for qualification. There was a disallowed goal by Fouda at the 37th minute due to an offside in the build-up, and Pelkas also scored in the 51st minute from a corner kick. Hatzidiakos, Bakasetas, Giannoulis, and Rota missed significant opportunities in the first half. Given the chances, the score could have reached double digits in favor of the national team. They cannot afford to drop points. Up next on 16/10 is the crucial home match against the Netherlands.

Match updates: Kourbelis (M), Siopis (M), Tsimikas (A), and Mandalos (A) were unfairly penalized against Gibraltar. They didn't play in that match but are set to return. Alexandropoulos (M), who's once again in the squad, was called up as a replacement. Baldock (A) and Hatzidiakos (A) are sidelined due to injuries. Athanasiadis (T), Papanikolaou (M), and Limnios (ME) are also out. Goutas (A), Dioudis (T), Saliakas (A), Galanopoulos (M), and Constantelias (ME) have been recalled to Poget's squad after some absence, but Douvikas (E) hasn't made the cut.

Greece is a superior team compared to Ireland and has a more pressing motivation to secure points. However, their recent performances have lacked in offensive prowess. The home team might be underdogs in every department, but they are anticipated to give their all, especially in front of their home crowd, at least for the first half.