Greece claimed the 2026 European Championship C title and promotion to Euro B for the first time with a 68-14 victory over Germany at the Elena Venizelou Stadium in Chania, Crete. Germany return to Euro D.
Fullback Tyrone Tsagalias starred with a hat-trick in nine minutes early in the second half. “The players stuck to the game plan and in the end we ended up winning comfortably,” said Greece coach Steve Georgallis.
“It was pleasing to see how far our domestic players have come. We have a number of young local players coming through which is great for the game in Greece.”
First half
Germany opened the scoring when winger Benedikt Esser crossed in the seventh minute after electing to run the ball on the last tackle. Robert Tuliatu replied by taking on the line and stepping over, and five minutes later Eddie Markopoulos scored following a break by Tsagalias. Samuel Stratis converted both to make it 12-4.
Germany responded when centre Andrew Hoggins scored and Felix Rau converted, but Alex Linoxylakis dived over for the hosts. Tsagalias had a try disallowed after George Kakouris was penalised in the build-up; Kakouris was sin-binned on the half-hour and was soon joined by Tuliatu and Germany’s Liam Doughton after a clash following Leon Bakis’s try.
Greece led 26-10 at half-time.
Second half
With a strong wind at their backs, Greece dominated. Tsagalias raced 60 metres to score and added another after linking with Stratis and George Chionis. He then created space before off-loading for Stratis to score and completed his hat-trick soon after. Chionis spun out of three defenders and raced clear to bring up the half-century. Bakis crossed for his second on the hour, Chionis added another, and Alex Aliu scored Greece’s twelfth try.
Esser returned from the sin-bin to score a consolation second try for Germany.
Germany head coach Bob Doughton said: “It really was a game of two halves, unfortunately we switched off in the second. We have more than proved that we can compete at this level. We just need to do it for 80 minutes. We have learned a lot and will be back.”
Scorers
Greece tries: Robert Tuliatu, Eddie Markopoulos, Alexandros Linoxylakis, Leon Bakis (2), Tyrone Tsagalias (3), Samuel Stratis, George Chionis (2), Alexandros Aliu
Goals: Samuel Stratis (10/12)
Germany tries: Benedikt Esser (2), Andrew Hoggins
Goals: Felix Rau (1/2)
Sin-bins: George Kakouris, Robert Tuliatu, Liam Doughton, Benedikt Esser
Official: Nectarios Tsakalos (Greece)
Half-time: Greece 26-10 Germany
17 October 2026
Source: International Rugby League
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