Netherlands fight back from two goals down to draw with Greece

The Netherlands produced a second-half comeback to earn a 2-2 draw against Greece in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday, 1 October 2026.

Trailing by two goals at half-time, the Dutch responded through captain Virgil van Dijk and Tijjani Reijnders to claim a point at the Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki.

Greece looked set to take all three points after a strong first-half performance, but the Netherlands showed resilience after the break to avoid defeat in their third Group A2 fixture.

Greece take control before half-time

Greece opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when Fotis Ioannidis found the net to put the hosts ahead.

The home side continued to trouble the Dutch defence and doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time. Giorgos Masouras scored in the 45th minute plus two minutes, sending Greece into the interval with a 2-0 lead.

The Netherlands faced a difficult task after the break, having struggled to contain Greece during the opening 45 minutes.

Van Dijk and Reijnders lead Dutch comeback

The Netherlands returned with greater urgency and reduced the deficit in the 59th minute.

Captain Van Dijk scored to give the visitors renewed hope and set up a tense final half-hour.

The Dutch continued to push for an equaliser, and their persistence paid off in the 89th minute when Reijnders found the net to make it 2-2.

The late goal completed the comeback and denied Greece a victory after they had held a two-goal advantage at the break.

Both sides share the points

The draw leaves the Netherlands with five points from their opening three matches in Group A2, while Greece move to seven points after winning their first two fixtures.

The Netherlands will look to build on their second-half response when they face Serbia in their next Nations League match on Sunday, 4 October. Greece are scheduled to meet Germany on the same day.

Full-time result

• Greece: 2 – Fotis Ioannidis 23', Giorgos Masouras 45+2'

• Netherlands: 2 – Virgil van Dijk 59', Tijjani Reijnders 89'

The Netherlands showed determination to recover from a two-goal deficit, while Greece will reflect on a first-half lead that ultimately slipped away.

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