A spirited Greece fought back to hold top-ranked Belgium to a 1-1 draw in their friendly international in Brussels on Thursday, as Giorgios Tzavellas’ second-half goal cancelled out an early strike for the hosts from Thorgan Hazard.

Belgium was missing several regulars like Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard, but it was still hoping to send out a message of intent ahead of next week’s kick-off of the European Championship.

But Greece, who did not qualify for the tournament, proved dogged opponents with little regard for their host’s status at the top of the FIFA rankings in a feisty clash behind closed doors at the King Baudouin Stadium.

Hazard put Belgium ahead after 20 minutes but Tzavellas levelled the score midway through the second half.

Greece will play another friendly on Sunday, this time meeting Norway in Spain.

[Reuters]