Greece Outlasts Scotland 3–2 in High-Intensity World Cup Qualifier

In a wild second half at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, Greece defeated Scotland 3–2 in a dramatic World Cup qualifier. Goals from Tasos Bakasetas, Fotis Karetsas and Christos Tzolis secured the win for the Galanolefki, while Odysseas Vlachodimos delivered a phenomenal performance between the posts. Bakasetas was later sent off, and both Andreas Tetteh and Babbi Kostoulas made their international debuts — with Tetteh even providing an assist.

Although Greece entered the match without any qualification stakes, the team once again delighted the home crowd with vibrant attacking football and flashes of the new generation’s potential.

A Dominant Start

Greece struck early. In the 7th minute, Pavlidis unleashed a powerful shot inside the box that Gordon initially saved, but the rebound fell to Bakasetas. With clever footwork he skipped past Hanley and fired a precise finish into the net for 1–0.

Eight minutes later, after a Bakasetas corner, Retsos rose well for a close-range header but couldn’t find the target. Greece kept pushing: in the 28th minute Tzolis attempted a bouncing drive that Gordon parried, and in the 32nd Pavlidis narrowly missed from close range after another well-timed cross by Tzolis.

In the 43rd minute, Pavlidis was forced off with a knee problem and replaced by 19-year-old Kifisia forward Andreas Tetteh, who made his senior national team debut.

Scotland’s biggest first-half moment came in stoppage time. McTominay unleashed a thunderous long-range strike that rattled the crossbar, with Vlachodimos rooted to the spot. A minute later, Che Adams got on the end of a deep cross but his header shaved past the post.

A Chaotic Second Half

Greece doubled their lead in the 57th minute. On his debut, Tetteh sprinted down the right and delivered a perfectly weighted low cross for Karetsas, who finished calmly for 2–0. Six minutes later, Tzolis made it 3–0 with a breathtaking strike, smashing the ball past Gordon with sheer power.

But Scotland, still fighting for first place in the group, refused to surrender. Ben Doak pulled one back in the 65th minute after bursting through the Greek back line with raw pace. Five minutes later, Ryan Christie cut the deficit to 3–2, turning the match into a nerve-shredding thriller.

With momentum on their side, Scotland pressed relentlessly. Clarke added extra forwards, while Greece — increasingly unsettled — struggled to regain control. Vlachodimos, however, rose to the occasion, producing a series of sensational saves, including a one-on-one stop against McTominay that preserved the lead.

The tension peaked when Bakasetas received his second yellow card in the 84th minute, leaving Greece to finish the match with ten men. Scotland pushed desperately for the equaliser but found Vlachodimos unbeatable.

Both teams hit the woodwork during the night, adding to the frantic tempo of a match played at full intensity.

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Debuts That Point to the Future

Beyond the result, the night carried symbolic importance for Greece’s next generation. Tetteh impressed with his energy and directness, recording an assist in his very first appearance. Babbi Kostoulas also made his debut, coming on late in the match — yet another young name added to Ivan Jovanovic’s growing pool of emerging talent.

The team’s overall display reinforced the belief that Greek football is entering a promising new era, with several players starring abroad and youngsters increasingly breaking into major European leagues.

Lineups

GREECE (Ivan Jovanovic):
Vlachodimos, Vagiannidis, Koulierakis, Retsos, Tsimikas, Kourbelis, Mouzakitis (90’ Chatzidiakos), Tzolis (90’ Kostoulas), Karetsas (75’ Masouras), Bakasetas, Pavlidis (43’ inj. Tetteh)

SCOTLAND (Steve Clarke):
Gordon, Hickey (75’ McKenna), Souttar, Hanley (75’ Ralston), Robertson, Ferguson, McGinn, Christie (82’ Dykes), McTominay, Doak (87’ Hurst), Adams (82’ Shankland)