UEFA Nations League 2026/27 β League A, Group A2
π
1 October 2026
ποΈ Toumba Stadium, Thessaloniki
β° 21:45 local time
Greece π¬π· welcome the Netherlands π³π± to Thessaloniki for a crucial League A, Group A2 encounter.
Greece have made a perfect start to the Nations League, winning their opening two matches against Serbia 2β1 and Germany 1β0. The Netherlands have collected four points, drawing 1β1 with Germany before beating Serbia 2β1.
π¬π· Greece: Perfect Start
Greece have been one of the early surprises of the competition.
After their dramatic comeback against Serbia on Matchday 1, they produced another impressive result by defeating Germany 1β0. Dimitris Kourbelis scored the decisive goal in that match.
Ivan JovanoviΔ’s side have therefore collected six points from their first two matches and currently sit at the top of Group A2.
Their defensive organisation has also been impressive, with Greece conceding only one goal across their two matches.
Playing at Toumba Stadium should provide another major advantage, with the home crowd expected to create a difficult atmosphere for the Netherlands.
π³π± Netherlands: Xavi’s Side Building Momentum
The Netherlands have also shown positive signs under new coach Xavi HernΓ‘ndez.
After drawing 1β1 with Germany, the Dutch recorded a 2β1 victory over Serbia in Belgrade. Young striker Mexx Meerdink scored both Netherlands goals, making him one of the players to watch in Thessaloniki.
Xavi has said that his team still needs to improve their pressing, attacking movement and ability to exploit space, but he was pleased with the progress made during his first week in charge.
β οΈ Netherlands Team News
The Netherlands will be without Cody Gakpo, who withdrew from the squad because of an ankle injury. Brian Brobbey is also unavailable, according to the latest team news.
That puts additional responsibility on Meerdink and the Netherlands’ other attacking players.
π₯ Head-to-Head
Historically, the Netherlands have dominated this fixture.
The Dutch have won nine of the previous 11 meetings, with one draw and one Greece victory. Across those matches, the Netherlands have scored 24 goals compared with three for Greece.
However, historical results don’t necessarily reflect the current teams. Greece’s perfect start and defensive record make this a considerably different challenge.
π Key Battle
Greece’s compact defence vs Netherlands’ possession
The Netherlands are likely to have more possession and attempt to stretch the Greek defence through wide areas.
Sofascore’s current statistics show the Netherlands averaging 60.5% possession across their opening two matches, compared with 42.5% for Greece. Greece have instead shown an ability to remain compact and attack during transitions.
This tactical contrast could determine the match.
β Players to Watch
π¬π· Konstantinos Tzolakis
The Greece goalkeeper has been one of the team’s standout performers, recording eight saves and a clean sheet across the opening two Nations League matches.
π³π± Mexx Meerdink
Meerdink is the obvious Netherlands player to watch after scoring twice against Serbia. With Gakpo unavailable, his movement and finishing could be particularly important.
π Match Outlook
This could be one of the most intriguing games of Matchday 3.
Greece have the momentum, home advantage and an excellent defensive record. The Netherlands have greater possession-based control and a strong historical record in this fixture.
The match also has an important group-table implication: a Netherlands victory would move them above Greece, while a Greece victory would strengthen their position at the top of Group A2.
β Dan King Match View
Greece’s perfect start meets a Netherlands side that is steadily adapting to Xavi’s system.
Expect the Netherlands to control more of the ball, while Greece will look to defend compactly and attack quickly when opportunities appear.