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Germany Player Ratings vs Greece: Jurgen Klopp's First Loss as Germany Struggle in Attack

Jurgen Klopp experienced his initial loss as Germany manager after a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Greece during Matchday 2 of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League (League A, Group 2) at the SGL Arena. Despite controlling 75.5% possession, an experimental German side missing key players like Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz lacked the sharpness to break down Greece's compact defense. Dimitrios Kourbelis scored the decisive goal in the 74th minute.

This defeat leaves Germany third in their group with just one point, while Greece leads the group with a perfect record, followed by the Netherlands on four points. Germany’s high defensive line was exposed by Greek counter-attacks, and Konstantinos Tzolakis’s inspired goalkeeping prevented several German chances. Here is a detailed look at the player performances as the team adjusts under Klopp.

Goalkeeper and Defence

  • Alexander Nubel: Rating 6.3 - Started in goal, mostly untroubled as Greece had only one shot on target. Showed good distribution but was helpless when Kimmich's deflection allowed the winning goal.
  • Nathaniel Brown: Rating 6.6 - One of the more active defenders on the left, tactically sound though his crosses lacked the final quality. Substituted late in the match (84').
  • Yann Bisseck: Rating 6.8 - Physically strong in duels, composed in central defense, intercepting plays effectively. Picked up an early yellow card (17') but made a crucial block in stoppage time to prevent a second goal.
  • Jonathan Tah: Rating 6.2 - Struggled with aerial battles and quick transitions, causing tense moments for the home fans.
  • Josha Vagnoman: Rating 7.0 - Energetic right-back contributing to early pressure. However, his accidental backheel clearance prolonged Greece's attack leading to the goal.

Midfield

  • Kevin Schade: Rating 6.8 - Hardworking midfielder linking defense and attack, but unable to unlock Greece’s midfield before being replaced (65').
  • Felix Nmecha: Rating 6.4 - Controlled the ball well but lacked incisive passing. Failed to press Kourbelis effectively, which led to the decisive goal. Substituted in the 84th minute.
  • Karim Adeyemi: Rating 7.0 - Used his speed to trouble Greece’s defense with several dangerous attempts, including a powerful shot saved by Tzolakis. Left the field in the 75th minute.
  • Joshua Kimmich: Rating 6.6 - Led the midfield and orchestrated play but couldn’t find the key pass. Unlucky when his foot deflected Kourbelis’s shot past Nubel for the only goal.
  • Bambase Conte: Rating 6.7 - Made a promising debut with technical skill and threatening shots, forcing a great save early in the second half before being subbed off (65').

Attack

  • Youssef Ebnoutalib: Rating 6.2 - Had limited service and was closely marked by Greek defenders, particularly Konstantinos Mavropanos, restricting his impact.

Substitutes and Manager

  • Jonathan Burkardt: Rating 5.8 - Came on at 65' but struggled to find space or influence the game.
  • Florian Wirtz: Rating 5.8 - Introduced as a surprise substitute; tried to add creativity but was often crowded out.
  • Serge Gnabry: Rating 5.0 - Replaced Adeyemi at 75'. Showed some directness but made a critical error near the end that nearly allowed Greece a second goal.
  • Anton Stach: Rating 6.3 - Entered at 84', added fresh energy in midfield during the closing minutes.
  • Hennes Behrens: Rating 6.1 - Local Augsburg player brought on late to reinforce defense as Germany pushed forward.
  • Jurgen Klopp: Rating 6.0 - Klopp's squad experimentation is notable, but the attack lacked cohesion against Greece’s low block. Substitutions failed to turn the tide, resulting in a home defeat.

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