Klopp suffers first Germany defeat as Greece claim historic Nations League win

Jurgen Klopp’s wait for his first victory as Germany head coach continued after Greece stunned the hosts with a 1-0 Nations League win in Augsburg.

Klopp, taking charge of Germany for only the second time, had been held to a 1-1 draw by the Netherlands in his opening game on Thursday.

Germany dominated large periods of the match but were unable to turn their possession into goals, while Greece secured a memorable victory through Dimitrios Kourbelis’ late strike.

Kourbelis delivers Greece a famous win

Kourbelis broke the deadlock in the 74th minute when his effort from the edge of the box took a decisive deflection off Joshua Kimmich before finding the net.

Germany introduced Florian Wirtz from the bench as Klopp looked for a response, but the hosts could not find an equaliser.

The defeat was particularly significant for Greece, who had never beaten Germany in their previous 10 meetings, recording seven defeats and three draws.

Greece, ranked 41st in the world, also returned to the top of Nations League Group 2 after previously beating Serbia on Thursday.

Klopp calls defeat part of the process

Klopp admitted he was disappointed by the result but acknowledged that his new-look Germany side will need time to develop.

“I could have lived with us not winning but you cannot lose such a game,” Klopp said.

“We have been together for a week now, all mixed together, and that needs time.

“The result is not cool but it is absolutely part of the process.”

The 59-year-old was appointed Germany boss on a four-year contract in July, replacing Julian Nagelsmann.

Germany have now gone four matches without a win since defeating Ivory Coast in their second group game at this summer’s World Cup.

For Greece, the victory marked their biggest win by world ranking since their famous victory over England at Wembley in 2024, when the Three Lions were ranked fourth.