Emotions run high as Greece stun England just hours after George Baldock's passing

Emotions run high as Greece stun England just hours after George Baldock's passing

Eric Munene 06:38 - 11.10.2024

England lost to Greece for the first time in a UEFA Nations League match.

Greece secured a memorable 2-1 victory over England, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Vangelis Pavlidis.

This marked Greece's first-ever win against the Three Lions, solidifying their position at the top of UEFA Nations League Group B2.

The match was especially poignant, with tributes paid to Greek international George Baldock, who tragically passed away earlier in the week at the age of 31.

England, under the temporary management of Lee Carsley, adopted a bold strikerless formation, aiming to unsettle the Greek defence from the outset.

Jude Bellingham tested Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos early with a whipped shot, while Cole Palmer, making his first competitive start, nearly converted a powerful free-kick that sailed just over the bar.

However, the hosts sacrificed defensive solidity for attacking flair, leading to several costly mistakes.

A key moment came when Jordan Pickford, venturing far from his goal, inexplicably passed the ball directly to Anastasios Bakasetas.

His lobbed effort was expertly cleared off the line by Levi Colwill. Konstantinos Mavropanos nearly put Greece ahead, only to be flagged offside after heading in following a chaotic moment involving Pickford.

England had their chances too, with Palmer and Anthony Gordon both failing to convert clear opportunities.

The tide turned shortly after halftime when Dinos Koulierakis made a surging run, allowing Pavlidis to navigate through a crowded England defense and slot home, sending Greek fans into a frenzy. Although Pavlidis netted again soon after, that effort was ruled out for offside.

With the stakes high, England brought on Ollie Watkins to regain structure in their attack. This adjustment almost paid off when Watkins sent a powerful shot over the bar.

Knowing they needed points to keep their promotion hopes alive, England found an equaliser through Dominic Solanke, who set up Bellingham for a powerful, low drive from the edge of the area.

As the match appeared destined for a draw, Greece’s resilience shone through in the dying moments. With the England defence under siege, Pavlidis found the back of the net once more, sealing a historic victory for Greece in dramatic fashion.

The win came just hours after their English-born defender George Baldock was found dead in his swimming pool in Greece just hours before the game.