Make That Five Games in a Row Undefeated

Make That Five Games in a Row Undefeated

By Christian Leggas

Greece has risen to the top spot in Group Three of League C in the UEFA Nations League with a vital two-goal to one success away in Pristina against Kosovo.

The visitors could not have asked for a better start, as some slick passing eventually found its way to young star Dimitris Limnios. The promising youngster, unfortunately, hit his first shot directly at Kosovo goalkeeper Samir Ukjani, but thankfully, then made absolutely no mistake with his second effort, as he blasted home the rebound to give Greece the first goal of the game.

As ten minutes ticked by, Greece faced its most-strong tests defensively in the game to that point. As Kosovan attackers, Arber Zeneli and Atdhe Nuhiu had decent efforts on goal. But thankfully, Greek goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas was able to save both goal-bound efforts without too much fuss.

Even though Greece took the early lead. It was Kosovo who did enjoy the bulk of possession in the first 15 minutes. Their high pressing was also ever-present, putting Greece under a decent amount of pressure.

Greece's first chance since their goal one minute into the game occurred fourteen minutes later. As attacking midfielder, Anastasios Bakasetas got on the end of a Dimitris Limnios pass. But his half-cross half-shot only found the gloves of Samir Ukjani. The Kosovan shot-stopper would have been relieved to claim that effort, as Greek Striker Efthymis Koulouris was lurking at the back post, seemingly ready to feed on any potential scraps.

Unfortunately, eight minutes before the end of the half, we lost our captain when Kostas Stafylidis was forced off the pitch due to a shoulder injury. Which occurred in pretty innocuous circumstances. The skipper seemingly hurt it when trying to keep his balance with his left arm as he initially slipped over when changing his direction. Experienced centre-back Dimitris Siovas came on to replace him.

Right before half time was around the corner. Greece was inches away from making it two-nil, as Dimitris Giannoulis got on the end of some slick-quick passing, but his fierce shot was turned wide for a corner due to a slight deflection.

Shortly after that chance, the Ethniki was lucky not to have their advantage disappear, as Kosovan midfielder Besar Halimi narrowly put his venomous strike slightly wide of the goal. They also had the final chance from a free-kick following that Halimi effort, as one of Kosovo's central defender's, Amir Rrahmani got on the end of a good set-piece opportunity. But Vasilis Barkas had minimal difficulty in saving the effort.

That was the last action of the first half, as Greece entered the break a goal to the good.

As the second half began, Greece was inches away from doubling their advantage when Anastasios Bakasetas got on the end of an initially cleared Kostas Fortounis cross. Unfortunately, though he firstly controlled, then struck his volley very well, it just could not quite find a way beneath the crossbar in time to double the visitor's advantage.

Thankfully though, the dream beginning to the second half still occurred five minutes into the second half. A classic training ground set-piece routine eventually found the foot of Dimitris Giannoulis. Whose lofty cross was met by some initially superb control from Dimitris Siovas, who like Dimitris Limnios, made absolutely no mistake with his finish, as he guided his shot beautifully into the bottom corner to give Greece some room to breathe with a two-goal advantage.

That finish itself was one any striker would have been very proud to see! Siovas must have had a particular taste in his mouth after that goal. Eighteen minutes later, he tried a dubious effort from distance as the ball came to him, shortly after some crafty wing work. But this time, his effort went well wide of the target.

Shortly after that Siovas chance, Efthymis Koulouris could have taken serious advantage of a ball that came his way. But he made the wrong choice by trying to lob his shot over Samir Ukjani. The Kosovan goalkeeper did not seem that far off his line in from a spectator's point of view.

Some superb wing-play from Dimitris Limnios followed that Koulouris effort. Unfortunately, this ultimately resulted in a headed chance for Panathinaikos Captain Dimitris Kourbelis that went narrowly wide of the post.

As 81 minutes ticked over, Greece received an almighty scare. As Kosovan midfielder Bernard Berisha took full advantage of a not-so convincing clearing punch from Vasilis Barkas. To give the home side hope with a superb acrobatic finish to halve the visitor's lead, Which did lead to a nervy last ten minutes for the Ethniki.

Thankfully, Greece ultimately did enough to hang onto the three points in the end. Leaving, Pristina with a deserved two goals to one win.

Dimitris Limnios was undoubtedly the man of the match, as his endless efforts on the right-wing went a long way to ensuring that the Ethniki claimed all three points.

Our next string of games is currently scheduled to occur in October. With a friendly fixture against Austria, followed by back to back Nations League encounters at home against Moldova and Kosovo.

While we got the three points in this one, I can still see some areas that need improvement. Such as the need to cut out some sloppy passing, and perhaps there is the need for better decision making on the ball at times too. Still, well done to all involved in the impressive performance.

Hellas Football

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