On 13 October, one of the matches of Euro 2024 football took place. Team Ireland and Team Greece met.
Euro-2024
Ireland - Greece - 0:2 (0:2)
Goals: Giorgos Giakoumakis (20), Masouras (45+4)
Warnings: W. Smallbone (10), Pelkas (56), A. Bouchalakis (75).
Greece won a thrilling European Championship qualifying match against the Republic of Ireland 0-2 at half-time and 0-2 in regulation time. The match was played at the legendary Aviva Stadium, creating a tense atmosphere for players and fans. The game was tense from the start, with both teams showing tenacity and skill. The game started with the Republic of Ireland player W. Smallbone receiving a yellow card in the 10th minute, which shows the high level of the game. The aggression continued and in the 20th minute Greece succeeded when G. Giakoumakis crossed the ball into the net and put the team ahead. The Irish tried hard to get back into the game, but just before the break they faced a setback when Greek player G. Masouras poked the ball into the goal, increasing the lead to 0:2. The Irish headed to the changing rooms realising that they had a mountain to climb in the second half. At the start of the second half, both teams made important substitutions to freshen up and strengthen their squads. Ireland replaced N. Collins with R. Manning in the 46th minute, trying to turn the tide of the match in their favour. However, Greece managed to maintain a solid defence and prevented the Irish from scoring. The game was getting tougher and tougher, which led to a yellow card for Greek D. Pelkas in the 56th minute.
Sensing the need for tactical changes, Greece made two substitutions in the 64th minute, replacing D. Kourbelis with A. Bouchalakis. Bouchalakis and D. Pelkas for A. Chatsigiovanis. Chatzigiovanis. The Republic of Ireland responded with three substitutions in the 70th minute, bringing in K. Robinson instead of V. Smallbone, A. Brown instead of M. Johnston and K. Ogbene instead of A. Idaho. These changes energised the team and they launched several attacks in an attempt to reduce the scoreline. However, Greece stood firm and showed resilience throughout the game. In the 75th minute they received another yellow card - A. Bouchalakis, which shows the intensity of the fight on the pitch. In the last minutes of the match, when the victory seemed out of reach for the Republic of Ireland, they made the last substitution - K. Ogbene came on instead of A. Idah. Greece responded with two substitutions, replacing A. Bakasetas with M. Siopis and G. Masouras with K. Koulierakis in the 87th minute. Koulierakis. Despite the Republic of Ireland's persistent endeavours, the final whistle sounded, confirming a 0-2 victory for Greece. Both teams showed a decent fight, but the first goal and reliable defence of Greece ensured them the much needed three points in this European Championship qualifying match. As the fans left the Aviva Stadium, they remembered the exciting fight on the pitch for a long time. The match demonstrated the passion and commitment inherent in football and left the spectators looking forward to the next exciting match.
The following matches await the opponents in the next round: Gibraltar - Ireland, Greece - Netherlands.
| Ireland national team | Greek national team | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Kicks to the goal | 5 |
| 18 | Kicks | 11 |
| 3 | Blocked shots | 3 |
| 10 | Penalty kicks | 8 |
| 8 | Kicks from outside the penalty box | 3 |
| 7 | Offences | 16 |
| 7 | Corner | 4 |
| 2 | Offsides | 1 |
| 59% | Ball possession | 41% |
| 1 | Yellow cards | 2 |
| 0 | Red cards | 0 |
| 3 | Keeper saves | 4 |
| 561 | Total assists | 400 |
| 485 | Accurate assists | 335 |
| 86% | Transmission accuracy | 84% |