HERAKLION, Greece — Greece’s national football team delivered a commanding 4-1 victory over Slovakia in a friendly match on Friday, June 7, setting a strong tone for their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. The “blue and white” thrilled a packed Pankritio Stadium, showcasing attacking flair and defensive resilience.

First Half: Missed Chances and a Draw
The match began with both teams squandering early opportunities. In the 7th minute, Greece’s Vangelis Pavlidis broke free on a counterattack, only for Slovakia’s goalkeeper Martin Dubravka to deny his shot. Two minutes later, Karetzas also saw his effort saved.

Slovakia earned a penalty in the 11th minute after goalkeeper Christos Manda fouled David Strelec. However, Manda redeemed himself, saving both Stanislav Duda’s penalty and a follow-up attempt by Strandz.

Greece took the lead in the 14th minute. A rapid counterattack saw Christos Tzolis set up Pavlidis, whose shot was blocked, but Giannis Konstantelias pounced on the rebound to make it 1-0. Despite dominating chances, Greece were pegged back in the 34th minute when Slovakia’s Hantso, possibly offside, chipped Manda to equalize at 1-1. Manda’s heroics, including several stunning saves, ensured the score remained level at halftime.

Second Half: Greece’s Dominance Shines
Greece controlled the second half, dictating possession and pressuring Slovakia’s defense. Their persistence paid off in the 66th minute when Pavlidis scored from close range, restoring Greece’s lead at 2-1.

As the match neared its end, substitute Anastasios Douvikas sealed the win. In the 89th minute, the Como striker converted an assist from Giorgos Masouras to make it 3-1. The rout was completed in stoppage time when Slovakia’s Hrdnar scored an own goal, finalizing the score at 4-1.

What’s Next?
Greece will face Bulgaria in their next friendly on Tuesday, July 10, at 9:45 PM, as they continue preparations for the World Cup qualifiers.

Lineup:

Greece (Coach: Ivan Jovanović): Manda; Vayiannidis, Koulierakis, Retsos, Giannoulis; Kourbelis (83′ Mouzakitis), Zafeiris (64′ Siopis); Konstantelias (64′ Bakasetas), Karetzas (64′ Masouras); Pavlidis (71′ Douvikas), Tzolis (71′ Pelkas).Slovakia (Coach: Francesco Calzona): Dubravka; Hanko, Skriniar, Vavro, Mesik (76′ Satka); Bero, Hrosovsky, Duda (76′ Benes); Tupta (66′ Duris), Skranz (76′ Hrdnar), Strelec (66′ Prekop).