Giorgos Masouras of Greece heads the ball with Micky van de Ven of the Netherlands during the UEFA Nations League match between Greece and the Netherlands at the Toumba Stadium on 1 October 2026 in Thessaloniki, Greece. Photo: AAP/MARCEL TER BALS via ANP/Sipa USA
Greece appeared on course for another major result after Fotis Ioannidis inspired them to a 2-0 lead at Toumba Stadium, only for Virgil van Dijk and Tijjani Reijnders to rescue a point for the Netherlands.
The result keeps Greece unbeaten and at the top of Group A2, following victories over Serbia and Germany, but there was disappointment after the hosts came within minutes of taking all three points.
Greece were dealt an early setback when Arsenal winger Tzolis was forced off with an apparent injury in the 18th minute.
The 24-year-old went to ground before being replaced by Giorgos Masouras and appeared visibly upset as he left the pitch, pulling his shirt over his head.
His availability for Greece’s upcoming rematch against Germany remains uncertain.
Despite the disruption, Greece struck first through Ioannidis in the 23rd minute before doubling their advantage in first-half stoppage time.
Ioannidis was again central to the move, capitalising on a poor Dutch backpass before Masouras helped Greece take a commanding 2-0 advantage into the break.
The Netherlands had controlled possession but struggled to break through Greece’s compact defensive structure during a difficult opening half.
New Dutch coach Xavi Hernandez responded with major changes at the interval, introducing Tijjani Reijnders, Ryan Gravenberch and Noa Lang.
The substitutions transformed the match.
Van Dijk pulled one back in the 59th minute, heading home Joey Veerman’s corner, before the Netherlands increased the pressure on the Greek defence.
Denzel Dumfries thought he had brought the visitors level, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Greece continued to hold on as the Dutch pushed forward, with goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis producing an important late save to deny Joshua Zirkzee.
But the pressure finally told in the 89th minute.
Zirkzee helped the ball into the path of Reijnders, who fired home from the centre of the penalty area to complete the Netherlands’ comeback and make it 2-2.
“The Dutch changed tactics in the second half and we didn’t respond adequately,” Ioannidis said.
“But I believe we definitely have moved up a level and are getting better by the day.”
Greece defender Kostas Tsimikas said there was frustration at allowing the two-goal advantage to slip, but stressed the significance of remaining unbeaten.
“We are unbeaten and we are top of the group, so we have to build on that,” Tsimikas said.
“There is a sense of disappointment, but we must be humble and recognise that we played against a superpower.
“In the end, that point we earned may prove to be very valuable.”
For the Netherlands, Reijnders proved decisive after coming off the bench, while Van Dijk acknowledged his side’s poor opening half.
“When we tried to play through the middle, we lost possession far too quickly,” the Dutch captain said. “It just wasn’t good enough in the first half.”
Greece now turn their attention to Sunday’s clash with Germany, having stunned the Germans 1-0 in Augsburg in their previous Nations League outing.
Attention will also turn to Tzolis’ fitness, with the extent of his injury yet to be confirmed.
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