Greece vs Germany - UEFA Nations League

The history between Greece and Germany lends this UEFA Nations League fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on October 4, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. The left-back was taken off in the final minutes against Everton with cramp, and was not risked for the Champions League clash vs Sabah on Thursday.

Both camps will view the UEFA Nations League meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. The hosts will hope that the the home ground crowd can inspire a performance, whatever the numbers suggest. The visitors will travel in the hope that a change of scene can spark a turnaround, whatever the form book says. On Wednesday night, Infantino was given the "full support" of FIFA's management board in a statement despite being forced to abandon his plan to sell stakes in a company to run the World Cup to private investors.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Greece will look to impose their style on home soil, while Germany are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. Everton are aware of interest from Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, but there has been no formal approach or contact with them, and they have no appetite to sell the 26-year-old, who has three years on his deal.

In fixtures as finely poised as this one, it often comes down to who holds their nerve in the big moments — and both camps have players who relish that responsibility. Whoever wins the individual duel between the two sides' chief playmakers is likely to dictate the rhythm and, ultimately, the destination of the points. The Everton forward would suit Michael Carrick’s plans because he can carry the ball through pressure, create chances from wide areas and operate behind a striker.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 1-1 draw feels like a fitting result. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the UEFA Nations League standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. And Fonseca does not place too much weight on the decision of Roberto Martinez to omit him from the World Cup squad in favour of his Benfica team-mate Tomas Araujo.