Sun Nov 17 17:55:19 UTC 2024: ## Greece’s Nations League Hopes Hang in the Balance After Defeat to England

**Helsinki, Finland** – Greece’s hopes of automatic promotion to League A of the UEFA Nations League are hanging by a thread after a 3-0 defeat to England on Thursday. The loss, which saw goals from Ollie Watkins, an Odysseas Vlachodimos own goal, and Curtis Jones, leaves Greece needing a win in their final match against Finland and relying on England to lose to the Republic of Ireland.

Despite a previously undefeated record in the competition, Greece were unable to overcome a superior England side. While Greece created chances, England’s clinical finishing proved decisive. The result handed England the head-to-head advantage, leaving Greece in second place and needing to better England’s result in the final round to secure top spot.

Meanwhile, Finland, already relegated to League C, suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland, extending their winless streak to seven games. Their Nations League campaign has been a disappointing one, leaving them pointless alongside Montenegro.

Greece will be without Christos Zafeiris due to suspension for their final match against Finland. However, Dimitrios Kourbelis returns from suspension and could feature. Manager Ivan Jovanovic may also make changes in attack, with Fotis Ioannidis potentially replacing Vangelis Pavlidis.

Finland, meanwhile, will be without Matti Peltola, Rasmus Schuller, and Viljami Sinisalo due to injury and illness. Teemu Pukki, nearing a record number of appearances for Finland, could start in attack alongside Joel Pohjanpalo.

While Greece are expected to win their final match against a demoralized Finland, their fate ultimately rests in the hands of England and their final game against the Republic of Ireland. A Greek victory, coupled with an England defeat, would secure automatic promotion. Otherwise, Greece will face a promotion playoff.

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