The Greek national football team continued its impressive streak in the Nations League on Sunday evening, defeating Ireland 2-0 and maintaining its undefeated record. This victory marks the team’s fourth consecutive win, putting them at the top of the group with 12 points, three ahead of England, which they will face at OAKA on November 14 in a match that will significantly influence the group standings.
Despite the emotional burden following the sudden and unjust loss of George Baldock, the Greek players demonstrated their resilience. Goals from Mantalos and Bakasetas secured the win against Ireland, showcasing the team’s progress under coach Giovanovits.
Giovanovits’ Passionate Outburst
Coach Ivan Giovanovits celebrated the victory passionately, explaining his emotional response during the press conference. “I wanted this win badly. We talked about this game for two days, and I felt I might be putting too much pressure on the players. But a victory must have continuity. We were a team in England, and we needed to be the same today. There are few opportunities in football, and we must be ready to seize them.”
The Emotional Tribute to Baldock
The memory of George Baldock loomed large in the players’ statements, as they struggled to come to terms with the fact that the 31-year-old would no longer be with them. Team captain Tasos Bakasetas dedicated his goal to the late Baldock, kissing the black armband worn by all the Greek internationals.
“Given the circumstances and the nature of the game, this was one of the most beautiful goals of my career, and I will never forget it,” he remarked. Bakasetas also reflected on his pre-match speech at Wembley, stating, “My words came from the heart, and I wanted to give the boys some extra motivation, even though I think they didn’t need me. Our presence shocked all of Greece regarding how we managed our grief in just a few hours. I believe we have learned many lessons as a team and have faced numerous disappointments. The messages we conveyed resonated with the public, and that is our biggest victory in recent years.”
Giannoulis’ Reflection
Dimitris Giannoulis expressed his visible emotion, stating, “The atmosphere was and continues to be heavy. What happened is not easily forgotten, and we may never fully overcome it. All upcoming matches are dedicated to George.”
“Congratulations to all the players for their heartfelt performance. There were countless emotions. When the second goal went in, I sat in the center and started to tear up. I was watching videos of George, and after the goal, I broke down. He was an exceptional person. We poured our hearts out and gave everything for George up there. We have great talents on the team, and we have bonded well. The coach has instilled a winning mentality in us, and I believe even better nights are ahead for our national team,” added Manolis Siopis.
Rota’s Touching Message
Lazaros Rota also chose not to elaborate on Baldock but conveyed his message to Baldock’s family, saying, “We will always play for our friend.” He praised the support of Greek fans, stating, “The crowd is incredible. I have never experienced anything like this, and I’m not just saying that because of AEK. The National Team is something bigger than any club. I got goosebumps.”
Rise to League A in the Nations League
If Ivan Giovanovits’ team finishes first in the group, they will secure direct promotion from League B to League A of the Nations League, the premier tier of the competition. This means they will compete against Europe’s best teams in the next edition of the tournament and have the opportunity to vie for a trophy, as the Finals emerge from League A.
Path to the 2026 World Cup
Beyond the immediate gain, the second and likely more significant benefit for Greece in finishing first is its connection to the World Cup. The Nations League provides a second chance, a “safety net” for securing a coveted spot at the 2026 World Cup and a return to major tournaments.
UEFA’s World Cup qualifiers offer twelve tickets, one for each winner of the twelve qualifying groups. The playoffs will include the twelve teams that finish second in the qualifiers and the four best group winners from the Nations League. These sixteen teams will compete in four Final Fours for the remaining four spots at the World Cup.
Thus, if Greece tops its group, it could be among the top four winners (with a separate ranking for the Nations League) and vie for a second opportunity at the World Cup. If all goes well and the “Blue-Whites” clinch first place, this scenario is entirely plausible, as it is likely that several winners from League A and B (who will rank higher in the Nations League) will have already secured their places in the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico through regular qualifying, thereby opening spots for our national team.
In the long run, if Greece finds itself in League A, it will also have better chances for a more accessible second opportunity for the Euro 2028.
