Greece hand Klopp first defeat as Germany boss in historic 1-0 win

MUNICH: Jurgen Klopp suffered his first defeat as Germany manager on Sunday as Greece secured a historic 1-0 victory in Augsburg, with Dimitrios Kourbelis scoring the decisive goal in the 74th minute.

The result marked Greece’s first-ever win over Germany, ending a wait that stretched back to their first meeting in 1960. Greece had previously lost seven times and drawn three against the four-time world champions.

Klopp’s Germany struggled to reproduce the energy and attacking spark they showed during his managerial debut, a 1-1 draw away to the Netherlands on Thursday. Despite dominating possession for long periods, the hosts found it difficult to break down a disciplined Greek defence.

The Germans had several opportunities but lacked the cutting edge needed to turn possession into goals. Hoffenheim forward Bambase Conte, who was handed a surprise opportunity after just four top-flight appearances, looked lively early on and fired narrowly wide.

Karim Adeyemi also came close in the first half after racing beyond the Greek defence, but his effort sailed just over the crossbar.

Conte remained a threat after the interval and forced a low fingertip save from Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis.

Germany’s inability to capitalise eventually proved costly. Greece became increasingly dangerous on the counterattack and Fotis Ioannidis missed a golden opportunity when he fired wide with only goalkeeper Alexander Nuebel to beat.

Moments later, the visitors found the breakthrough. Kourbelis’ low effort took a deflection off Germany captain Joshua Kimmich before rolling into the bottom-left corner.

Greece then defended resolutely to protect their historic victory.

Klopp, who took charge of Germany in July, remained calm despite the setback.

“Personally, I’m completely unbothered by it. I’ve lost far more matches in my life than I would have liked,” Klopp told ARD. “But as long as you draw the right conclusions, a loss is ultimately just a piece of information.”

The 59-year-old is rebuilding a Germany side that suffered another disappointing World Cup campaign, with the team eliminated at the last-32 stage of the tournament in North America.

Klopp had selected 16 uncapped players in his 44-man squad as he continues assessing his options.

Germany captain Kimmich said the new coach had been clear about his expectations, while defender Jonathan Tah stressed that the players must now demonstrate those ideas on the pitch.

For Greece, meanwhile, the night will be remembered as a landmark moment — their first victory over Germany and a major statement on Klopp’s early rebuilding journey.