Greece were held to a 2-2 draw by the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League after Arsenal forward Christos Tzolis was forced off with an injury in the first half.
Tzolis, who had started all five of Arsenal’s Premier League matches this season, pulled up during an attack and was substituted in the 18th minute. He had wanted to continue but was unable to do so.
Greece took control of the match in Thessaloniki and went 2-0 ahead before half-time. Fotis Ioannidis opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, finishing a move created by Giorgos Masouras. Masouras then doubled Greece’s advantage in first-half stoppage time after Ioannidis provided the assist. Tzolis’ replacement, Masouras, therefore played a decisive role after coming on for the injured Arsenal winger.
Netherlands coach Xavi Hernandez responded by making three changes at half-time. Tijjani Reijnders, Ryan Gravenberch and Noa Lang were introduced as the Dutch side looked to recover from their poor first half. The changes quickly produced a response. Captain Virgil van Dijk pulled one back in the 59th minute, heading in from a corner delivered by Joey Veerman.
The Netherlands continued to dominate possession and eventually found an equaliser in the 89th minute. Reijnders reacted quickest after Gjivai Zechiël’s effort was blocked and fired the ball past Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis.
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Greece Tops the Group
The result leaves both teams unbeaten in Group A2, with Greece remaining at the top after their earlier victories over Serbia and Germany. The Netherlands, however, sit second.
For Greece, the major concern now is the condition of Tzolis. The Arsenal winger’s injury will require further assessment before the club and national team know the extent of the problem. Tzolis’ setback also adds to Arsenal’s injury concerns during the international break. This follows the earlier injury suffered by Kai Havertz while on Germany duty.
