On the evening of October 10, 2024, at Wembley Stadium, Greece made history by securing their first-ever win over England in a dramatic 2-1 triumph in the Nations League. This landmark victory was not just a moment of joy for the Greek national team, but it also signaled a new dawn for Greek football. Against the odds and a team ranked significantly higher, Greece pulled off a stunning result that will be remembered for years to come.
A Historic Victory
The matchup between England and Greece was a David-and-Goliath scenario on paper. England, with its deep footballing history and world-class players, came into the game as the clear favorite. Greece, ranked 44 places below them, was not expected to challenge the Three Lions at Wembley. However, as the saying goes, football is played on the pitch, not on paper.
Vangelis Pavlidis emerged as the hero of the night, scoring both goals for Greece. His first came early, giving the underdogs a crucial lead. Despite Jude Bellingham equalizing for England in the 87th minute, Pavlidis struck again in stoppage time, delivering the knockout blow and sealing Greece’s first victory over the English national team in 10 encounters.
This victory also carried emotional weight for the Greek team. The match was played in the shadow of tragedy, as Greece’s English-born defender George Baldock had passed away just days earlier. In a tribute to their teammate, the Greek players celebrated Pavlidis’s goals and their eventual victory by honoring Baldock, lifting his jersey in remembrance.
Greece’s New Approach
For years, Greece’s footballing identity has been largely defined by their historic UEFA Euro 2004 victory, which saw them win against all expectations. That success, while monumental, set a precedent for defensive, counter-attacking football that has not always led to consistent success on the international stage. However, the Nations League win against England highlighted a shift in tactics and mentality for the Greek team, suggesting a more dynamic, proactive approach to football.
Under the guidance of Gus Poyet, Greece has sought to modernize its style of play, moving away from the rigid, defensive formations that once defined them. Poyet has introduced more fluidity in their game, encouraging creativity and giving players the freedom to express themselves on the field. Against England, the Greeks played with confidence, pressing England high up the pitch, disrupting their rhythm, and taking advantage of defensive lapses.
Pavlidis, who has been a prolific scorer at club level, particularly with AZ Alkmaar and now Benfica, showcased his goal-scoring prowess on the international stage. His performance against England not only secured the victory but also highlighted Greece’s newfound reliance on a traditional number nine, a position that has often been a challenge for the national team to fill in recent years.
England’s Tactical Misstep
While the night belonged to Greece, the tactical decisions made by England’s interim manager Lee Carsley played a role in the outcome. Carsley opted for an experimental formation, using Jude Bellingham as a false nine, supported by the likes of Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Bukayo Saka. The strategy, which was intended to overload the midfield and dominate possession, backfired. England’s lack of a traditional striker left them without a clear focal point in attack, and the Greek defense was able to exploit this gap.
Foden, in particular, has struggled to replicate his club form with Manchester
City, leaving England’s fans frustrated. Despite being named PFA Player of the Year in the Premier League, Foden has yet to make a significant impact for the national team. Against Greece, he had no goals, no assists, and no major contributions to the attack, mirroring his struggles in recent international matches. England’s tactical gamble simply didn’t pay off, leaving them exposed at the back and blunt in attack.
Carsley acknowledged after the match that the experiment failed, saying, “We were second best for a lot of tonight,” and expressing disappointment with the team’s overall performance. England’s defensive errors and inability to control the game allowed Greece to capitalize on their few opportunities, particularly with Pavlidis’s well-taken goals.
What This Means for Greece
For Greece, this victory could be a turning point. After years of struggling to replicate their success from 2004, this win against a powerhouse like England signifies that Greece may finally be building towards a more consistent and competitive future. Greece’s recent form in the Nations League, with wins over Finland and the Republic of Ireland, shows that this team is not just capable of pulling off upsets but also of competing at a high level on a regular basis.
Greece’s progress comes at a time when their domestic league is also showing signs of improvement. With clubs like AEK Athens and Olympiacos performing well in European competitions, there is a growing optimism that Greek football, both at the club and international levels, is on an upward trajectory. The win over England is just the latest indication that the national team can once again be a force on the global stage.
Looking Ahead
As Greece sits at the top of their Nations League group, their immediate goal will be to maintain this momentum and secure promotion. The team’s newfound confidence, coupled with tactical discipline, could see them qualify for more major tournaments in the near future. For a nation that has experienced the highs of international success and the lows of inconsistency, this could mark the beginning of a new era.
For England, the loss is a wake-up call. While the Three Lions have world-class talent, their inability to unlock Greece’s defense raises questions about the effectiveness of their current strategies. As they prepare for their next match against Finland, England will need to reflect on their performance and find ways to make better use of their talented squad.
In the end, Greece’s victory at Wembley is more than just a surprise result. It is a symbol of resurgence—a statement that Greek football is moving forward, with a renewed sense of purpose and belief.
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