Why greece qualify

Ludwig Augustinsson reflects on the win over Greece that took Sweden another step closer to qualification. Recap the late drama in Georgia as Greece scored twice with moments to spare to take all three points. Alexandropoulos Midfielder. Androutsos Midfielder. Athanasiadis Goalkeeper. Bakakis Defender. Bakasetas Midfielder. Bouchalakis Midfielder. Dioudis Goalkeeper. Douvikas Forward. Fortounis Midfielder. Fountas Forward.

Giakoumakis Forward. Had Greece won their two easiest games on paper in Group J, including home matches against Armenia and Liechtenstein, the Ethniki would have five more points and enough to surpass Finland for second place in the group.

Unfortunately, Greece tasted a shocking defeat against Armenia at the OAKA Stadium which was followed by another poor home result, a draw against minnows Liechtenstein - who finished with just two points in the group.

Knowing that two wins against Armenia and Liechtenstein were enough for Greece to qualify for Euro really shows how close the Galanolefki came to qualifying. Keeping the loss to Armenia on the cards, since qualifying matches always house some surprising results, Greece traveled to Finland for their next qualifier, which ended in favor of Finland.

Looking back at that match, an extremely clumsy second-half penalty from Dimitris Kourbelis converted by Teemu Pukki separated the sides at the final whistle in what was a very dull, well-balanced affair. Had Greece held onto the draw they deserved in Tampere, and defeated Liechtenstein a few days later very likely had Greece tied in Finland , the Ethniki would be celebrating their place at Euro These results would have Greece on 17 points while Finland would be sitting in third with 16 points.

The winners of each Nations League group were assured a place in the Euro qualifying playoffs, however, if a Nations League group winner had already secured a place at Euro via the qualifying process, then the next best ranked team from that League A-D would be awarded a place in the playoffs. If no other teams were available from a specific League to fill in the playoff spots, then the next-best ranked team from the lower League was awarded a spot in the playoffs. With Greece finishing third in Group 2 of League C, the Ethniki had minimal chances of securing a place in the Euro playoffs, and eventually missed out.

But how close were Greece to receiving a playoff spot? Prediction The home side to spring a surprise and send Group B to the final round of games.

Pick: Greece Spain. Costa Rica vs. How to watch, live stream Jamaica vs. Panama vs. Marco Reus and Ridle Baku also scored, along with two own goals.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored twice in the second half to give Georgia their second win of the qualifying campaign on a sour night for the Swedes. The visitors had most of the chances throughout the match, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alexander Isak squandering the best ones before Kvaratskhelia gave the hosts the win with goals in the 61st and 77th minutes.