The All Whites have suffered a defeat in the first of their November European friendlies, going down 2-0 to Greece at Georgios Kamaras Stadium in Athens. 

Head coach Darren Bazeley named a strong side with Chris Wood and Sarpreet Singh back in the startling XI after recent injuries. 

In the centre of defence, 18-year-old Tyler Bindon earned his first ever start for the team after making his All Whites debut last month against DR Congo. 

Greece also named a strong team as head coach Gus Poyet looked to put his side through their paces before their huge Euro 2024 qualifier against France next week. 

The home team took the lead in the 10th minute after a cross/shot from Giannis Konstantelias was was missed by the Greek attackers but found its way into the bottom of Michael Woud’s goal.

Sarpreet Singh looked to be fouled in the box not long after but his claims for a penalty were turned down. 

In the 29th minute Greece doubled their lead. 

A Greek corner was well saved by Michael Woud in goal but the rebound fell to Giorgos Giakoumakis who finished from close range to make it 2 – 0, the score it remained until half-time.

The second half saw a stronger performance from Bazeley’s side and they looked to find a way back into the match.

Despite good possession and passages of play against the higher ranked side, the All Whites weren’t able to convert it into clear cut chances. 

 

Substitutes Ben Waine (45’), Eli Just (62’), Joe Champness (71’), Clayton Lewis (71’) and Max Mata (83’) took to the field along with Wellington Phoenix defender Finn Surman who came on in the 83rd minute to make his All Whites debut. 

After the match Bazeley reflected on the performance:

"We knew it was going to be a tough challenge for us, but I thought it was very competitive. 

"I thought we played pretty well in a lot of moments, but we're at a stage where we need to start believing that we can win these games. 

"We came into the game feeling that way, but the goals we conceded we were disappointed with, and the players are disappointed to concede goals like that…

"But I thought throughout the game, we tried to play a certain style of football, and we're very close to being a very good team."

Article added: Saturday 18 November 2023