Douvikas’ Stoppage-Time Header Seals Greece Win Over Serbia in Belgrade
Tasos Douvikas headed Greece to a 2-1 win over Serbia in Belgrade, scoring in the fifth minute of stoppage time after coming off the bench for Ivan Jovanovic’s late attacking reshuffle.
Douvikas strikes after Tsimikas delivery
The Como striker climbed above the Serbia defence in the Rajko Mitic Stadium penalty area and met Kostas Tsimikas’ cross to settle the Group A2 opener.
- Serbia took an early lead through Andrija Zivkovic in the fourth minute.
- Christos Tzolis brought Greece level in the second half.
- Douvikas then delivered the decisive header in the 95th minute.
- The result leaves Greece level at the top of Group A2 with the Netherlands after the opening round.
Douvikas said the visitors had recovered from the setback of conceding so quickly by staying composed and sticking to their plan away from home.
“We are delighted. It was an important away victory in the opening match,” he said. “We conceded early, but we showed character and stayed together. We have many good players, and having strength on the bench is vital for this team.”
Greece reject a cautious Group A2 target
The victory has strengthened Greece’s position following promotion to League A, but Douvikas does not believe Jovanovic’s squad should settle for aiming at third place.
“Third place matters, but it is not our objective,” the forward said. “We are aiming much higher because this team has excellent players.”
Greece’s substitutes helped alter the match late on, with Douvikas underlining the value of the squad’s depth after his own intervention from the bench.
Winner dedicated to growing family
Douvikas dedicated his match-winning goal to his pregnant wife and their unborn child, describing the forthcoming birth as his biggest source of motivation in football and in life.
He also joked that he owes Tsimikas a treat after the Liverpool defender supplied the cross for the winner.
What happens next
Greece now travel to Germany on Sunday for their second Group A2 fixture, looking to build immediately on a dramatic opening-night win in Belgrade.
