Greece Stuns England: Pavlidis' Stoppage-Time Goal Sends Wembley into Shock
The footballing world was left in stunned silence as Greece pulled off a monumental upset, defeating England 2-1 at Wembley Stadium in a dramatic Group D clash. The Three Lions, expected to cruise to victory, were left bewildered by a resilient Greek side, who snatched the win in the dying seconds thanks to a stunning stoppage-time goal from Anastasios Pavlidis.
A Tense First Half
The opening 45 minutes saw a tense encounter, with England dominating possession but struggling to break down a stubborn Greek defense. The Three Lions enjoyed the lion's share of the opportunities, with Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka coming close on several occasions. But Greece, with their compact and disciplined defensive organization, held firm, making life difficult for the hosts.
England's Lead, Then the Comeback
The breakthrough finally came in the 57th minute, with a powerful header from Harry Kane giving England a deserved lead. However, the goal seemed to shake the Greeks awake, as they immediately began pressing higher and pushing forward with renewed vigour. Just six minutes later, they found an equalizer through a precise header from Giorgos Masouras, sending the Wembley crowd into a frenzy.
Pavlidis' Moment of Glory
The match entered the final stages with both sides desperate for a winner. England, despite their dominance, looked vulnerable at the back, and Greece were increasingly confident. Then, in the 90th minute, the unbelievable happened. Following a series of Greek corners, the ball was sent into the box, where Pavlidis, lurking at the back post, met the ball with a thunderous volley, sending it past a helpless Jordan Pickford.
A Stunning Upset
The stadium fell silent as the realization of Greece's astonishing victory sank in. England, touted as one of the favorites for the tournament, had been humbled by a side they had largely disregarded. The Greeks, with their fighting spirit and tactical discipline, had defied all expectations, proving that anything is possible in the beautiful game. This result will undoubtedly send shockwaves through the tournament, a reminder that football is a game of unpredictable twists and turns.
