Greece 0-0 Germany: Karetsas plays despite Kovac request; Anton reliable in defense
Greece continued their shock unbeaten run in the UEFA Nations League with a 0-0 draw against Germany on Sunday. The Hellic nation saw a wonderful chance from Giorgos Masouras saved by Jonas Urbig while Jonathan Burkardt's goal for Die Mannschaft was ruled out for a handball in the buildup.
The draw leaves the four-time world champions in third place of the Group 2 standings with five points and in a serious risk of missing out on a quarter-final berth. Greece are tied with the Netherlands on eight points each but trail the Oranje in second position by virtue of goal-difference.
Anton reliable as ever
As expected, Waldemar Anton started at the heart of Germany's backline alongside Malick Thiaw and helped them to a second clean sheet in a row. A clearance from him early on resulted in a chance for Greece that ended up with Masouras firing his header on target, but Urbig was on hand to make a save.
Thereon, the Borussia Dortmund star grew into the match. His awareness was exemplary, showing excellent vision to always get into the right positions whenever Greece plotted an ambush. In the 20th minute, he even attempted a long-range shot that came to naught.
Just like in their win over Serbia, Jurgen Klopp's side enjoyed lengthy spells of possession and kept the Hellic nation pinned back into their own half to a large extent. Anton tracked back effectively in Greece's moments of transition too.
He made seven defensive contributions overall, including two interceptions and three clearances, while winning four of his seven attempted duels, although sometimes the 30-year-old got ahead of his own skies, such a needless challenge on Dimitrios Kourbelis in the 36th minute that earned himself a booking.
Karetsas lifts Greece's spirits in second half
The second period of the match was Anton come up against one of his newest teammates as Konstantinos Karetsas was subbed in for Greece. Prior to the game, reports had emerged that he may not play due to BVB coach Niko Kovac requesting his Greece counterpart Ivan Jovanovic to go easy on him in terms of gametime.
But with the the Pirate Ships needing a goal, Jovanovic played him on anyway, and Karetsas lifted his side's attacking momentum with another encouraging display. Most of their promising moments upfront flowed through him, as the 18-year-old ran into spaces and asked questions of the German defense.
He laid two key passes, including a chance for Konstantinos Tsimikas in the 50th minute following a splendid run on the right. Tsimikas' shot was saved, but it came back to Karetsas, whose attempt later won them a corner-kick. It led to another chance for the home side, with Konstantinos Mavropanos heading it straight to Urbig.
Karetsas also came up trumps defensively when Germany were on the attacking foot as the former KRC Gent midfielder made a vital clearance on Florian Wirtz to nip the potential danger in the bud, showing his willingness to track back and help out by being an extra-man in defense.
Both players now return to Borussia Dortmund.
