Greek press full of confidence, but ends with a draw against the Oranje
On a cool Thursday evening at the Toumba stadium, the Greek press was full of confidence: they had already claimed a point against the Oranje before kickoff. However, the duel ended in a 2‑2 draw, with the Dutch turning the game around in the second half.
A point predicted beforehand
The Greek journalists wrote even before the match that they would secure a point against the Netherlands. That expectation came true, as the final score remained level. The prediction gave the Greeks a mental edge, but the result showed that the match still remained unpredictable.
First half: 2‑0 lead and almost burning stand
Ivan Jovanovic’s men dominated the duels and built a 2‑0 lead just before halftime. While the ball found the net, the Toumba stand seemed to be almost on fire, a scene that Ta Nea described as “almost an ideal first half”.
After the break, the Netherlands completely turned the game around. The Dutch attacked the Greek goal more often, reducing the pressure from Jovanovic’s side. The change in dynamics was labeled as crucial by the Greek press.
Sport24 called the Greeks “manageable” opponents, while Ora ton Spor emphasized that the main objective – keeping the opponent out of the game – was well executed. An initial goal was disallowed, but two counting goals followed, after which the visitors applied pressure after the break.
In the penultimate minute, the equaliser came via Reijnders, a moment that the Greeks defended “heroically” but ultimately could not prevent. The Dutch long-range shots and the Greek defence created an exciting final phase.
Fos described the final result as a “crazy feeling” after the 2‑0 lead. A victory, long desired, did not materialise, but the national team showed a higher level than before. The missed win was seen as a clear sign of the difficulties the Netherlands faced.
After a disappointing World Cup campaign, the Dutch national team now focuses on the Nations League 2026/27. In the group stage, the Oranje will meet Germany, Serbia and Greece. For more in‑depth analyses and stories about the Oranje you can visit VI PRO, where the best stories about the national team are published.