[AP]
Greek-Australian defensive midfielder Nectarios Triantis has received his first call-up to Greece’s national soccer team, joining Serb coach Ivan Jovanovic’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Scotland and Belarus.
Born in Sydney to Greek parents, the 22-year-old came through the A-League before moving to Europe. After impressing with Scotland’s Hibernian FC, Triantis transferred to Major League Soccer side Minnesota United earlier this year in a deal worth €2.5 million.
Having represented Australia at under-20 and under-23 levels, Triantis obtained Greek citizenship in August, making him eligible for the national team. He reportedly declined interest from Australia’s senior Socceroos after receiving his Greek passport.
Greece, already out of contention for the 2026 World Cup, also called up Brighton forward Charalambos (Babis) Kostoulas.