Germany’s UEFA Nations League campaign has suddenly become a little more complicated after two matches, with the table showing just how costly the defeat to Greece has been.
Greece sits atop the group with six points from two matches and a +2 goal difference after opening the campaign with consecutive victories. The Netherlands is second with four points, while Germany is currently sitting in third place with just one point and a -1 goal difference. Serbia rounds out the table without a point from its first
two matches.
For Germany, the problem is that the team has not necessarily been outplayed across the opening two games — but the results have not followed. The loss to Greece was particularly frustrating given Germany’s statistical dominance, with 76% possession, 16 shots and five shots on target compared with Greece’s eight shots and one effort on target.
That leaves Germany with a significant amount of work to do in the remaining matches. The one point collected so far means there is little margin for error, particularly with the Netherlands already sitting three points ahead.
The table also illustrates how quickly momentum can change in a short Nations League group stage. Greece has put itself in a strong position after two wins, while Germany finds itself chasing both Greece and the Netherlands.
There is still plenty of football remaining, but Germany has already made its path more difficult than it needed to be.
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