Greece vs. France: a pivotal Euro 2024 qualifier recap
Following a brutal 14-0 loss to Gibraltar, France found itself earning its first points in the qualifying campaign. The reset was quick, and the defending world runner-up approached the next match with a sharpened focus. France, known for its depth and talent, faced a Greece side that had already shown resilience, and the meeting promised to test whether Didier Deschamps’ squad could regain momentum as the race to reach Euro 2024 in Germany heated up.
Greece began the encounter with a strong start, a reminder that the path to qualification is never a straight line. France, aware that even a single misstep is costly in a tightly contested group, approached the game with measured intensity. By the end of the day, the scoreboard reflected a draw that carried significant implications for both teams in Group B of the European Championship qualifying phase. The Greeks earned a point that kept their own campaign afloat, while France dropped rare points after a chastening previous result, underscoring the long road still ahead to secure a spot in next summer’s tournament.
The match produced a moment that highlighted the drama of international football: Bakasetas capitalized on a late equalizer for Greece, edging the scoreboard toward parity, while Kolo Muani had earlier opened the scoring for France. Ioannidis later found the net for Greece to flip the balance briefly before Fofana leveled matters with a superb strike from distance. The French striker Youssouf Fofana delivered another reminder of his growing reputation with a powerful finish that made it 2-2 and kept the match firmly within reach for both sides.
The extraordinary goal by Fofana drew particular attention, a strike that reminded observers of the unpredictability and high skill level present in international football. The Monaco midfielder, in just two appearances, signaled his readiness to contribute at a high level when called upon, a theme that resonated through social media and press highlights from the night. As fans replayed the goal, the sense of a competitive, balanced fixture grew stronger, with neither side yielding easy chances and both teams able to answer the other’s momentum.
The mood around the Greek side rose as the match progressed. The Hellenes pressed with tempo and organization, showing an ability to disrupt the French buildup through disciplined defending and purposeful counterattacks. Greece’s efforts were underscored by Bakasetas, who played a key role in creating and converting chances, while the French squad relied on Muani in the early stages to give them a sharp edge going forward.
In the wider context of the qualifying campaign, the result for Greece extended the drama of Group B, where several teams sensed a real chance to advance. For France, the performance offered a corrective lens after the heavy defeat, a reminder that a season’s worth of preparation, tactical adjustments, and squad depth must translate into consistent results on the road to Germany. The match reinforced the reality that points can be shared in international football even when expectations run high, and it highlighted that every fixture carries its own weight in a campaign that tests both depth and mental resolve.
The video summary of Greece vs. France, Euro 2024 qualifying: goals, key actions and turning points
Fofana’s impressive strike to restore parity in the late stages drew praise from pundits and supporters who followed the game closely. It was a moment that encapsulated the energy and ambition both teams displayed throughout a contest that remained in play until the final whistle.
Oh Youssouf Fofana’s standout finish reminded spectators of his potential impact at the top level. The mid-season clip circulated widely, with fans noting his ability to influence important moments in tight games. The match provided a glimpse into the evolving dynamics of the French squad and its ability to respond under pressure, a theme that will shape expectations for the remainder of the qualifying campaign.
The atmosphere in the stadium reflected the significance of a late stage in the qualifying cycle. The Greeks celebrated the resilience of their performance, while the French team, though disappointed by the result, demonstrated their continued willingness to push for a decisive result. The match acted as a reminder that the road to Euro 2024 remains a test of character for both teams, with every point earned being a small victory in a broader, highly competitive group.
XI OF FRANCE
XI OF GREECE
Minute by minute Greece vs. France
Source: Goal