Greece U21 hold Iceland 1-1 in Reykjavik, second leg Monday 16 November in Athens

A draw in the snow

Greece's Under-21 national team drew 1-1 with Iceland on Thursday, 12 November, in the first leg of the U21 Euro 2027 playoffs. The match was played at the Thróttarvöllur stadium in Reykjavik under heavy, continuous snowfall, and play was halted for a few minutes while an excavator cleared the pitch and its lines. Coach Giannis Taousianis had to make two forced changes during the match. The result leaves the second leg in Athens as the decisive game for a side seeking its first return to a final tournament in 25 years.

Early chances and injuries

Iceland had the better of the opening half and struck the crossbar in the 19th minute through Gudmundsson. Greece responded seconds later, when a cross from Kostoulas aimed at Koutsias went out of play. Allen left the field in the 22nd minute with discomfort in his upper arm, and Katris came on in his place. Almyras came close before the break, but the Icelandic goalkeeper turned his shot away in the final action of the first half.

The second half and the late turn

Monastirlis was replaced in the second half after feeling discomfort, and Botis came on to take his place in goal. Botis saved a penalty from Gudjonsen around the 62nd minute, keeping the score level at 0-0.

Iceland took the lead in the 89th minute, when Mikaelson headed the ball in after a pass from Thorsteinsson. Greece kept pressing and reached the equaliser on the second minute of stoppage time, the 90+2nd minute, after a pass forward from Papakanellos was deflected into the net. Two sources describe that goal as an own goal by Mikaelson, while another credits Papakanellos as the scorer.

The second leg and what it takes

The return match is set for Monday, 16 November at 19:00 at the Apostolos Nikolaidis stadium in Athens. Qualification will be decided on the aggregate score across both matches. If the total is level, extra time follows and then a penalty shootout if needed, and the away goals rule does not apply. According to iefimerida, Greece needs a win in the return leg to go through.

The wider tournament

The final tournament will be held from 16 June to 3 July 2027 and co-hosted by Albania and Serbia. Twelve teams have already qualified, among them Albania, Belgium, Croatia, England as holders of the title, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland as the best runner-up, Portugal and Spain. The Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) has made free tickets available for the Athens match.