Kostas Tsimikas and Greece delivered a masterclass performance at Hampden Park on Sunday, March 23, overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit to defeat Andy Robertson’s Scotland 3-0 and securing promotion to UEFA Nations League League A with a 3-1 aggregate victory.
The emphatic win, orchestrated by coach Ivan Jovanovic, showcased a youthful Greek side that comprehensively outplayed their hosts to claim a place among Europe’s elite.
The visitors silenced the Glasgow crowd in the 20th minute when Giannis Konstantelias swept home a precise low finish following a cross from Giorgos Vagiannidis. The 22-year-old PAOK midfielder not only opened the scoring but went on to deliver a commanding performance that included two assists.
Goals from Konstantinos Karetsas and Christos Tzolis then wrapped up a historic win for Greece.
The win was massive because it secured Greece’s first-ever promotion to League A of the UEFA Nations League.
This promotion places Greece among Europe’s elite nations for the 2026/27 Nations League campaign and marks their fifth consecutive away victory—a record in their national team history.
The result also continues an impressive run under coach Ivan Jovanovic, whose focus on youth development appears to be paying dividends.
Though Tsimikas didn’t feature in the historic second leg, he still took the time to praise his nation for the achievement:
“Yesterday was a great night for all of us. For the national team. For Greek football. For every child who dreams of wearing this jersey,” he wrote on Instagram.
“Congratulations to all my teammates and the staff for the incredible performance and qualification.”
“This team has soul, talent, and a future. And this is only the beginning.”
“I am proud to be part of this family. The best is yet to come. We continue together.”
Tsimikas has established himself as a reliable servant for Liverpool since joining from Olympiacos in 2020. Despite primarily serving as Andy Robertson’s understudy, the 29-year-old has made valuable contributions when called upon.
However, as has become annual tradition, speculation surrounding Tsimikas’s future tends to intensify each summer transfer window.
As Greece prepare for life among Europe’s elite nations in the next Nations League campaign, Tsimikas’s experience at the highest level of club football will likely prove invaluable to this emerging young national team, regardless of where his club future lies beyond this summer.
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