Greece’s national football team is on the brink of Euro 2024 qualification after a resounding 5-0 victory over Kazakhstan in Athens, setting the stage for a final showdown with Georgia.
Coach Gus Poyet’s squad delivered a commanding performance at the OPAP Arena, securing an unexpected and comfortable win in the UEFA Nations League division semifinal.
The game kicked off with Greece taking the lead within the first five minutes, as Dimitris Pelkas earned a penalty converted by captain Tasos Bakasetas for the opening goal. Pelkas continued to shine, assisting Giorgos Massouras for the second goal just eight minutes later.
Fotis Ioannidis extended Greece’s lead with a goal in the 37th minute, followed shortly by Dimitris Kourbelis, who headed in a cross from Kostas Tsimikas to make it 4-0 at halftime.
While Greece eased off in the second half with victory already secured, Kazakhstan’s Yerkin Tapalov inadvertently scored an own goal from a corner kick, further widening Greece’s lead to 5-0.
#FINALSCORE Λήξη στην OPAP Arena. Η Εθνική Ομάδα πραγματοποιήσε εκπληκτική εμφάνιση, επικράτησε 5-0 του Καζακστάν και προκρίθηκε στον τελικό των playoffs του EURO 2024. Σκόρερ οι Τάσος Μπακασέτας, Δημήτρης Πέλκας, Φώτης Ιωαννίδης, Δημήτρης Κουρμπέλης, Ταπάλοφ (og). #GREKAZ pic.twitter.com/B82lIFD8Ao
— Ethniki Omada (@EthnikiOmada) March 21, 2024
Looking ahead to the playoffs final in Tbilisi on Tuesday, Greece remains confident in its ability to secure a spot in the Euro 2024 finals. Coach Poyet expressed optimism about his team’s chances, stating, “With performances like Thursday’s, Greece can be considered the favorite to snatch the ticket to the Euro 2024 finals.”
The upcoming match against Georgia is a crucial knockout game, and Greece is poised to capitalize on its momentum from the dominant victory over Kazakhstan. As the team sets its sights on Euro 2024 qualification, fans eagerly anticipate another thrilling performance on the field.
