Greece's golden generation demonstrated their potential with a 2-1 comeback win over Serbia in their opening match of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League.
Andrija Zivkovic's fourth-minute opener was canceled out by Christos Tzolis and a stoppage-time winner from Anastasios Douvikas as Hellic nation secured top spot in Group 2 with three points.
The match featured one of Borussia Dortmund's newest stars, Konstantinos Karetsas, who started the game for the visitors and turned in a strong attacking performance for 74 minutes.
Karetsas shows why BVB value him
If there were still any lingering doubts over why Dortmund spent 30 million euros on an 18-year-old, I hope those doubts are quelled by now. Karetsas was a bright attacking spark for Greece in the first stanza and nearly pulled one back for them just seconds after Zivkovic's opener with Tzolis cutting the ball back to him, but the BVB attacker fired it against the post.
It was, however, a sign of things to come, as the former Genk star remained on the attacking foot and forced Serbian goalkeeper Vanja Milinković-Savić into a save in the 13th minute. Operating from the right side of the Greek vanguard, Karetsas was a menace with his speed, energy and willingness to take on defenders, particularly causing all sorts of problems for Filip Kostic by cutting inside and looking to shoot.
He also sought to tee up the forwards with six crosses on the night, while also completing 90% of his 29 passes which further highlight his importance in building up attacks from the flanks. Karetsas' raw talents were on full display here, as his attacking intent, ability to receive a pass in tight spaces and taking on his marker fearlessly show exactly why he's earmarked as Greece's next big thing. But also, why Dortmund were so keen on him this summer.
Tzolis steals thunder from Karetas
Yet, he wasn't truly their best player. In fact, Karetsas' influence waned in the second half and Greek manager Ivan Jovanović took him off for Douvikas in a tactical switch that paid off handsomely as the latter fired in the winner in the fifth added minute.
Even before his match-winning moment though, it was Arsenal's Christos Tzolis who ran the show for the Euro 2004 champions, creating four chances in the match and getting six shots away to throw the kitchen sink at the Serbians. The winger also registered just one fewer cross (5) than Karetsas while sparking the comeback with a 74th-minute goal.
The match has got everyone excited for Greece's arsenal of talented stars, labeling them the new 'golden generation' who could drive the former European champions to Euro 2028, and the BVB fans are pleased to see one of them dons the fabled black and yellow of Dortmund.
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