As the curtains fall on League B Group 2 of the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League, Greece find themselves grappling with the bitter reality of their automatic promotion hopes slipping out of their hands. The final showdown sees the 2004 European champions traveling to face a beleaguered Finnish side on Sunday evening. While the Pirate Ship aim to keep their slim promotion hopes alive, their Scandinavian hosts will play only for pride, having already been relegated after a dismal campaign.
Entering the penultimate matchday with a perfect record in the competition, Greece’s fortunes took a drastic turn in their clash against group leaders England. Hosting the Three Lions in Athens, the Greeks were unable to repeat their shocking October triumph over the same opponents. Instead, they suffered a humbling 3-0 defeat, losing control of their destiny in the promotion race.
England struck early through Ollie Watkins, whose clinical finish gave the visitors the lead. Things worsened for Greece when Odysseas Vlachodimos inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. An audacious flick from Curtis Jones sealed a convincing win for Lee Carsley’s men, leaving Greece ruing their missed opportunities. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford pulled off several sensational saves, denying the hosts any chance of a comeback.
This defeat pushed Greece down to second place in the group standings. Despite accumulating a respectable tally, Ivan Jovanovic’s side now face the daunting task of not only winning in Helsinki but also relying on the Republic of Ireland to upset England. The Three Lions, who hold the advantage in the head-to-head record, need only a win or draw to clinch the top spot.
For Greece, the path to League A promotion is clear but fraught with uncertainty: they must secure victory against Finland and hope for an unlikely Irish triumph over England. Anything less, and the Pirate Ship will have to settle for a promotion playoff, a scenario they had hoped to avoid.
Despite the setback, Greece can draw confidence from their recent away performances. They have triumphed in their last three games on the road, scoring at least twice in each encounter. This strong form will be crucial as they face a Finland side that has struggled to find its footing throughout the tournament.
Adding to Greece’s optimism is their comprehensive 3-0 victory over Finland in September, a result that demonstrated their superiority over Sunday’s opponents. Jovanovic’s tactical acumen and Greece’s disciplined approach could once again prove decisive as they aim to end their campaign on a high note.
In stark contrast to Greece’s aspirations, Finland’s Nations League journey has been a nightmare. Under the stewardship of Markku Kanerva, the Huuhkajat (Eagle Owls) have endured a torrid campaign, failing to register a single point in their five matches so far. Their latest setback came against the Republic of Ireland on Thursday, where they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat in Dublin.
Evan Ferguson’s header just before halftime proved decisive for the Irish, but Finland’s misfortunes were epitomized by a missed penalty from Joel Pohjanpalo. The Finnish striker saw his effort saved by goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who also denied Robin Lod’s follow-up attempt with a stunning reflex save.
This latest defeat marked Finland’s fifth consecutive loss in the competition and extended their winless streak to seven games across all competitions. The Scandinavians last tasted victory in March, edging out Estonia in a friendly. Alarmingly, their last clean sheet dates back to November 2023, when they thrashed Northern Ireland 4-0 in a European Championship qualifier.
As Finland prepare for life in League C, their focus will likely shift to rebuilding and addressing the glaring issues that have plagued their campaign. The clash against Greece offers Kanerva’s men one final opportunity to salvage some pride, but their prospects appear bleak given their recent struggles.
Greece’s success in this campaign has been built on a foundation of disciplined defending and efficient attacking. Central to their strategy has been goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, who, despite his own goal against England, has been a reliable presence between the posts. His shot-stopping abilities will be crucial as Greece aim to keep Finland at bay.
In midfield, the likes of Petros Mantalos and Andreas Bouchalakis have provided creativity and stability, orchestrating play and linking defense with attack. Upfront, players such as Anastasios Bakasetas and Giorgos Masouras have shown a knack for scoring crucial goals, and their contributions will be pivotal in Helsinki.
Ivan Jovanovic’s tactical flexibility has also been a key factor in Greece’s campaign. The Serbian manager has shown a willingness to adapt his approach based on the opposition, and his strategic nous will be put to the test as he seeks to outmaneuver Kanerva’s side.
For Finland, the campaign has highlighted a lack of cutting-edge in attack and vulnerabilities in defense. While they have struggled to convert chances, players like Teemu Pukki and Joel Pohjanpalo still possess the ability to trouble opposition defenses on their day. However, their form has been inconsistent, mirroring the team’s overall struggles.
In midfield, Robin Lod has been one of the few bright spots for Finland, showcasing creativity and work ethic. However, his efforts have often been undermined by the team’s defensive lapses and inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Kanerva’s tactical setup has also come under scrutiny, with critics pointing to a lack of cohesion and adaptability. As Finland prepare to bow out of League B, the manager will be under pressure to prove that his side can compete against a strong Greek outfit.
Greece and Finland share a competitive history, with Sunday’s encounter marking the latest chapter in their rivalry. The September meeting in Athens saw Greece emerge as convincing winners, thanks to a dominant performance that left Finland with no answers.
Historically, Greece have often had the upper hand against Finland, particularly in competitive fixtures. Their physicality and tactical discipline have frequently posed problems for the Scandinavians, and this trend is likely to continue in Helsinki.
For Finland, the challenge will be to overcome their psychological and tactical shortcomings, which have been evident throughout the campaign. A positive result against Greece would not only boost morale but also serve as a stepping stone for future endeavors.
While Finland have little to play for beyond pride, the stakes are significantly higher for Greece. A win in Helsinki, combined with a favorable result in Dublin, could propel the Pirate Ship to League A, a feat that would underline their resurgence on the international stage.
However, failure to capitalize on their opportunities could result in another agonizing playoff campaign, adding to the pressure on Jovanovic and his players. For Greece, Sunday’s clash represents a test of character and resolve, as they seek to reaffirm their status as a rising force in European football.
Given the contrasting trajectories of the two teams, Greece will enter the match as firm favorites. Their recent form, coupled with Finland’s struggles, points to a likely victory for the visitors. However, football is often unpredictable, and Greece cannot afford to underestimate their opponents.
Finland, despite their poor record, will aim to end their campaign on a positive note and could prove to be stubborn adversaries. For Kanerva’s side, a spirited performance against a strong Greek team could serve as a foundation for rebuilding.
Ultimately, the outcome in Helsinki may hinge as much on events in Dublin as on the performance of the two teams. For Greece, the hope is that their efforts will not be in vain, while Finland will look to bow out with dignity as they prepare for a fresh start in League C
By the time the final whistle blows on Sunday evening, one narrative will have reached its conclusion, while another will remain tantalizingly open. Whether Greece’s journey continues in League A or is rerouted through the playoff path, their resilience and ambition will remain undeniable. For Finland, the end of this chapter offers a chance to regroup and rebuild, with lessons learned and the promise of better days ahead.