Portugal and Greece got the group F EC-action going in Munich. Greece had their moment but had no chance to stand in the way of Portugal´s first win in four years, 31–24.
In a group that contains Denmark beating the other teams seems almost necessary to advance. Portugal who left Euro 2022 without a single point didn´t hesitate in the premiere.
However, Greece was equally prepared to make their first ever EC game a memorable evening. Good variety in the attacks secured that the underdog kept up with the opponents for the first nervous minutes.
Portugal eventually opened a gap, with Francisco Costa´s half distance qualities and stable shots from the penalty spots in focus.
Greece relied on fast breaks by Christos Kederis and Savvas Savvas experience, gained in German clubs for the last ten years, to trail.
The halftime score was 18–14 and the second half had some similarities to the first. Greece pushed for an equalizer and got it via the pivot Anastasios Papadionysiou, 19-19.
Portugals position as the best team over 60 minutes was not to be threatened. The offensive was no doubt better when the combinations worked and the fast-paced performance managed to pull the defense apart, via 9–1 in the ten minute period that decided the winner.
Portugal–Greece 31–24 (18–14)