Germany Player Ratings After 1-0 Defeat to Greece: Klopp's First Loss as Germany Coach

Jurgen Klopp experienced his first loss as Germany manager after a 1-0 defeat to Greece in the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 (League A, Group 2) at the SGL Arena. Despite dominating possession with 75.5%, an experimental German side missing key players like Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz failed to break down a disciplined Greek defense. Dimitrios Kourbelis scored the decisive goal in the 74th minute, capitalizing on a deflected shot.

This result puts Germany third in their group with only one point, while Greece lead the standings with a perfect record ahead of the Netherlands, who have four points. Germany’s high defensive line was exposed on counter-attacks, and their attack struggled against an inspired goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis. Here are the individual player ratings from the match as Klopp’s team adapts.

Goalkeeper and Defence

• Alexander Nubel - 6/10: Started the game and finished with a 6.3 rating. He faced little pressure, with Greece only managing one shot on target. His distribution was steady, but he was powerless when the winning goal deflected past him off Kimmich.
• Nathaniel Brown - 7/10: One of the more active defenders, earning a 6.6 before being subbed off at 84 minutes. Provided consistent support on the left flank and maintained good positioning, though his crosses lacked the precision to create chances.
• Yann Bisseck - 7/10: Rated 6.8, showed physical dominance and composure in defense. Despite an early yellow card (17'), he made a crucial block in stoppage time to prevent a second Greek goal after a defensive mistake.
• Jonathan Tah - 6/10: Had a tough night with a 6.2 rating. Lacked his usual aerial presence and appeared slow to react during quick Greek transitions, causing nervous moments for fans.
• Josha Vagnoman - 7/10: Energetic on the right side, earning a 7.0. Effective in pressing early, though a misjudged backheel clearance allowed Greece to maintain possession leading up to their goal.

Midfield

• Kevin Schade - 7/10: Industrious with a 6.8 rating. Covered large areas and tried linking defense to attack but lacked creativity to break the stubborn Greek midfield. Subbed off in the 65th minute.
• Felix Nmecha - 6/10: Ended with 6.4; tidy on the ball but unable to deliver vertical passes to penetrate Greek lines. Crucially, he failed to close down Kourbelis, allowing the decisive strike. Replaced in the 84th minute.
• Karim Adeyemi - 7/10: Used his pace well to stretch the defense and was Germany’s main threat. Had a notable strike saved brilliantly by Tzolakis in the 31st minute. Decision-making was inconsistent but remained dangerous until subbed off in the 75th minute.
• Joshua Kimmich - 7/10: The captain controlled the midfield but couldn’t produce a killer pass, finishing with 6.6. Unlucky in the 74th minute when his attempted block deflected the shot into the net.
• Bambase Conte - 7/10: Made his debut showing technical skill, rated 6.7. Found space between the lines and forced a good save from Tzolakis with a powerful shot early in the second half before being substituted at 65 minutes.

Attack

• Youssef Ebnoutalib - 6/10: Had a frustrating night with a 6.2 rating, receiving little service. Pressed hard but was effectively neutralized by Greece’s defenders, especially Konstantinos Mavropanos.

Substitutes and Manager

• Jonathan Burkardt - 6/10: Came on at 65 minutes but struggled to influence the game in a crowded attacking third, rating 5.8.
• Florian Wirtz - 6/10: Entered at 65 minutes, tried to add creativity but was quickly closed down, finishing with 5.8.
• Serge Gnabry - 5/10: Subbed on for Adeyemi at 75 minutes, offered some directness but made a costly passing error in the 90th minute that nearly gifted Greece another goal.
• Anton Stach - 6/10: Introduced late for Nmecha at 84 minutes, brought fresh energy in midfield with a 6.3 rating.
• Hennes Behrens - 6/10: Local Augsburg player, came on at 84 minutes for Brown. Mainly used to shore up the defense as Germany pressed for an equalizer, rated 6.1.
• Jurgen Klopp - 6/10: Klopp’s willingness to try new options was clear but the lack of attacking cohesion against a deep defensive block hurt Germany. Substitutions failed to shift momentum, leading to defeat in his first home game as coach.

UEFA Nations League A - Upcoming Fixtures

• Germany vs Serbia - October 1, 2026, 21:45
• Greece vs Netherlands - October 1, 2026, 21:45