Klopp suffers first defeat as Germany lose 1-0 to Greece in Augsburg

Klopp suffers first defeat as Germany lose 1-0 to Greece in Augsburg

Jurgen Klopp suffered his first defeat as Germany coach after the hosts lost 1-0 to Greece in a Nations League game played in Augsburg on Sunday.

The only goal came in the 74th minute from Dimitrios Kourbelis, and the result is Greece’s first ever win against Germany, according to match reports.

Germany dominated possession at times but struggled to create clear chances. The home side offered less attacking threat than they did in Klopp’s debut, a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands four days earlier, reporters said.

Vanguard described how the Greeks grew more dangerous on the counter after an opening hour in which Germany failed to break down the visiting defence. The winning goal was described by Vanguard as a low shot from Kourbelis that took a deflection off Joshua Kimmich before crossing the goal line.

Klopp made several changes to his squad and starting lineup as he continues to examine options for the national team. Vanguard reported he had included 16 uncapped players in a 44-man squad and made five alterations to his starting XI, including a surprise start for Hoffenheim forward Bambase Conte, who had played just four top-flight matches.

The match produced a few notable chances. Vanguard reported Conte forced a low fingertip save from Greek goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis, while Barcelona forward Karim Adeyemi had the best opportunity of the first half when he shot just over the crossbar. Greek forward Fotis Ioannidis also had a chance late in the first half but blasted wide, reporting said.

“I think the important thing is that we stand together and that won’t change,” Germany defender Jonathan Tah told ARD after the match, according to Vanguard. “Of course, with the enthusiasm surrounding the new coach, things can get very hyped up from the outside, but ultimately, it comes down to what we do on the pitch and how we perform.”

Klopp took charge of Germany in July after the national side were eliminated at the last-32 stage of the World Cup in North America, their third consecutive early exit, Vanguard reported. The loss in Augsburg underlined the size of the task the former Liverpool manager faces in rebuilding the squad, reporters said.

Match accounts and summaries of the game are available from Vanguard and Daily Post.