Greece: the nation's selection returns to inspire hope

Greece's national team is rebuilding with young talent like Karetsas and Kostoulas alongside experienced players, following victories over Germany and Serbia in recent qualifiers.

Greece's national team has not reached a major tournament final since the 2014 World Cup, a decade after their shock Euro 2004 triumph in Portugal. Under manager Ivan Jovanovic, the team is now combining experienced players like Pavlidis with emerging young talent, including 19-year-old Konstantinos Karetsas of Borussia Dortmund and 18-year-old Charalampos Kostoulas of Brighton.

In recent international fixtures, Greece secured impressive victories against Germany and Serbia, both by one goal, and drew 2-2 with the Netherlands after leading 2-0. Karetsas, a quick left-footed winger standing 1.69m, has scored once and provided two assists in 12 Dortmund appearances this season. Kostoulas, a 1.85m centre-forward at Brighton, has five goals and four assists in 13 games, combining physical presence with creative play reminiscent of Harry Kane.

Greece faces the Netherlands on 13 November and Serbia on 16 November in Nations League qualifiers. A win against either opponent would secure their place in the Nations League finals, offering hope that the country has found its way out of a difficult period.