In one of the most historic matches for the Greek Women’s National Team, they held Belgium to a competitive 0-0 draw at Theodoros Vardinogiannis Stadium in the first leg of the EURO 2025 playoffs. This result is a significant achievement, as the two teams are separated by one tier in the Nations League and 44 positions in the rankings (Belgium ranked 20th and Greece 64th). The second leg of the playoffs, which will determine the team advancing to the next round, is set for Tuesday, October 29, at 21:15 in Leuven, Belgium.
UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Playoff Round: Greece vs. Belgium
In the first half, Belgium dominated possession, but Greece maintained a solid defensive stance, managing distances well and seeking opportunities to counterattack. Greece’s goalkeeper Yiannakouli made crucial saves, notably stopping Erling’s close-range shot in the 19th minute and Bulaert’s attempts in the 35th and 39th minutes. Greece’s best chance came in the 45th minute when Mitkou’s pass found Spyridoni in a promising position, but her attempt hit the side netting.
The second half saw fewer scoring opportunities, as Greece’s defense continued to hold strong against Belgium’s attacks. Yiannakouli made a spectacular save in the 50th minute to stop Cayman’s close-range shot, and Missipo’s shot went just wide in the 90th minute. Referee Ainara Acevedo’s final whistle left both teams with open chances to advance in the second leg.
The winner of this playoff round will go on to face the victor of the Turkey-Ukraine matchup, whose first game ended in a 1-1 draw. The match drew a supportive crowd of 1,500 spectators, rallying behind Greece’s effort to advance.
A minute’s silence was observed before kickoff in memory of international footballer George Baldock, and the Greek players wore black armbands in tribute.
Greece Lineup (Alexandros Katikaridis): Yiannakouli, Paterna, Palama (77′ Georgiou), Gkatsou, Mitkou, Sarri, Markou, Moraitou, Yiannaka, Koggouli (18’ Koskeridou – 57′ Saich), Spyridoni.
Belgium Lineup (Ives Serneels): Lichtfus, Janssen, De Neve, Keys, Deluaz, Erling (68′ Blom), Missipo, Thulings (58′ Vanhevermaat), Janssens, Ditroix (46′ Cayman), Bulaert.
