In a thrilling Group F match in Hamburg, Georgia’s goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili gave a man-of-the-match performance to assist his team earn their first-ever point at a major tournament. The match ended in a 1-1 tie with the Czech Republic.
In the fourth minute of injury time in the first half, against the flow of play, Georges Mikautadze gave Georgia the lead from the penalty spot after the sharp-eyed Video Assistant Referee had identified a handball by Czech defender Robin Hranac.
The VAR correctly rejected Adam Hlozek’s goal for handball midway through the first half, although the Czechs had dominated before the interval. Both teams earned their first point in Group F, and they eventually drew level just before the hour mark.
After Ondrej Lingr recovered well at the near post to head a corner across the six-yard box, Patrik Schick headed home from almost on the line. It was the Bayer Leverkusen striker’s sixth goal for his nation in just seven European championship games, though he was forced off with a calf injury shortly after.
Nevertheless, Georgia, playing in their first-ever major tournament, should have won it with the very last kick of the match, but substitute Saba Lobzhanidze fired over with just Jindrich Stanek to beat and the goal gaping. The impressive Mamardashvili, the £35 million-rated Valencia ‘keeper, is reportedly interested in Newcastle United this summer.
However, being one of the better third-placed teams, Scotland now has a better chance of qualifying for the knockout stages thanks to this draw. Steve Clarke’s team may even be able to advance with just two points.
Czech Republic boss Ivan Hasek:
“I would like to congratulate Georgia and their coach, Willy Sagnol, on getting a point,” he told UEFA.com. “Both teams played a game that was spectacular for the supporters; there was a great atmosphere.
“We dominated the game, but failed to score the second goal. Twenty-six attempts speak for themselves. We have to admit we were glad that our opponents did not convert their chance on the counter in the last minute.”
Georgia boss Willy Sagnol:
“We have nothing to lose: absolutely,” he told UEFA.com. “Our aim was to get experience from this EURO. I love Georgia so much, but wasn’t expecting us to win our debut tournament. It was very important for players to see what the highest level of football is like. We have a lot to learn, but it will help Georgia in the future.”
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