Greece delivered a commanding performance at Hampden Park on Sunday, March 23, overturning a first-leg deficit to defeat Scotland 3-0 and secure their spot in Group A of the Nations League with a 3-1 aggregate win.
Scotland had started the night in control after their 1-0 victory in Greece on Thursday, thanks to Scott McTominay’s first-half penalty. However, their hopes of promotion quickly unraveled as the visitors took charge.
Greece found their equalizer in the 20th minute when Giannis Konstantelias latched onto a precise cross and, with a single touch, curled a low shot into the near post—leveling the aggregate score and silencing the home crowd.
Things went from bad to worse for Scotland just before halftime. Konstantinos Karetsas, the 17-year-old sensation, was left unmarked inside the box and coolly curled a left-footed finish past the Scottish goalkeeper, putting Greece ahead on aggregate.
Any hopes of a Scottish comeback were dashed immediately after the restart. Just 20 seconds into the second half, Christos Tzolis found himself in space to slot home Greece’s third, sealing an emphatic victory and sending Greece through in style.
Soccer Football – Nations League – Play-offs – Second Leg – Scotland v Greece – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – March 23, 2025 Greece’s Christos Tzolis scores their third goal Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Soccer Football – Nations League – Play-offs – Second Leg – Scotland v Greece – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – March 23, 2025 Greece’s Konstantinos Karetsas and Greece’s Christos Tzolis celebrate after the match REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
Scotland, who had been aiming for a place in the top tier of the Nations League, were left stunned as Greece celebrated a memorable triumph.
