Unbeaten in UEFA Nations League Group A2, Greece are preparing to host the Netherlands and visit Serbia in decisive fixtures, with head coach Ivan Jovanovic urging his side to seize what he views as a historic opportunity.
Unbeaten Greece set for decisive Group A2 double-header
Greece remain undefeated in the UEFA Nations League and sit second in Group A2 with 8 points from four matches, level on points with table-toppers the Netherlands. Their campaign has included a 2-1 victory over Serbia, a historic 1-0 win against Germany, and a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands, results that have kept them firmly in contention.
Greece will host the Netherlands on 13 November in a match that could decide the top spot in UEFA Nations League Group A2. They will then travel to face Serbia on 16 November in their final group match of the window.
Jovanovic stresses opportunity and the need for focus
Speaking on the official EPO channel, Ivan Jovanovic said: "We have these last two games left. I think we are in a very good position in the standings, but it is of great importance that we respond to the last two games." He framed the upcoming fixtures as crucial to making the most of their current standing.
Reflecting on the platform built earlier in the competition, Jovanovic explained: "It is something that we created during the first games. An opportunity to potentially have higher goals than we expected at the beginning of the process." He linked their strong start to the chance to aim for greater targets.
Reflecting on their previous 2-2 draw against Oranje, he added: "It is important that we respond well and perhaps better than in previous games. We have more experience of the potential of our opponents." Jovanovic highlighted the value of that experience as Greece prepare to face the Netherlands again.
Jovanovic warned against overestimation of Greece while maintaining a positive approach to the goals that may emerge from these matches. He said: "Without any overestimation of ourselves of course, but always with a positive approach to things, in terms of the goals that may be created after these games."
Jovanovic concluded: "It is important that we are just as well focused, so that we can complete it in the best possible way." He underlined that maintaining concentration is central to finishing their group campaign strongly.
Key performers drive Greece towards unexpected quarter-final bid
Key performers Vangelis Pavlidis, Christos Tzolis, and Dimitrios Kourbelis have helped propel Greece into contention for an unexpected UEFA Nations League quarter-final berth. Their contributions have supported Greece's unbeaten run and kept them level with the Netherlands at the top of Group A2.
Abroad-based Greeks integrated as Koutsoupias earns call-up
As part of an ongoing effort to integrate Greek players based abroad into the national team, Ivan Jovanovic has called up midfielder Ilias Koutsoupias. Speaking on the official EPO channel, he noted: "In recent years there have been quite a few new faces in the National team."
Jovanovic continued: "There are Greeks who play in other countries, we follow them and when there is an opinion that it is time that we can see them, we will do it." He outlined how the staff monitor Greeks playing abroad and bring them in when they judge the moment is right.
Evaluating Koutsoupias, the coach noted: "Especially in some positions that we may need more, regarding the midfield. He is a kid who has been trying his luck abroad for quite some time, he is trying, he is at a good level, I believe he deserves the opportunity and that is why he is with us." Jovanovic indicated that Greece may need more options in midfield and that Koutsoupias has earned his chance with the national team.
