Georgia did what they couldn’t do at the Euros. Khvicha’s best game!
Dmitry Zimin September 7, 2024, 21:23 Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
The Czech Republic received four and lost the case.
In mid-June, Georgia and the Czech Republic died in the second round of Euro 2024. It was then that the whole of Europe started talking about the miraculous salvation of Georgiy Mamardashvili. The 23-year-old goalkeeper carried everything in the first half. And then Liverpool bought him, although they immediately loaned him to Valencia. That meeting ended in a draw – 1:1. And many expected that it was the Czechs who would eventually make it to the playoffs of the tournament. But this did not happen. In the third round, the Georgians defeated the Portuguese and achieved a historic achievement. And Ivan Hasek’s team failed – fourth place in the group. Nobody expected this.
A few months later, a new meeting. This time in the League of Nations. But the heroes of both teams are the same. The Georgians have just lost Solomon Kverkvelia. Surprisingly, after a quality Euro, he never found a new club. So there is no team for now.
Unlike at Euro 2024, Georgia was not considered an outsider here. At least statistically: since November 2021, they have only recorded one defeat in 12 home games. And that is against Spain. Also a certain symbolism. But the Czech Republic had problems, including personnel problems. Several defenders were removed, so the coach had to experiment in this area.
At the start of the match, this story seemed to have no effect on the team. The Czech Republic took possession and territorial advantage. Everything went according to the German scenario: in the 15th minute they could have scored twice: Schick and Krejci had chances alternately. Somewhere the precision was lacking, somewhere the goalkeeper was dragging himself. Only halfway through the half did the Georgians feel comfortable in their own half. Yes, they still played second fiddle, but at least they managed to create something up front. Kochorashvili shot well at first, but the ball went wide of the post.
And in the 32nd minute, a new attack led to Khvici rushing into the box, where he was brought down by Krejci. Kvaratskhelia himself approached the ball and elegantly caught the goalkeeper during the break.
Georgian national team players
Photo: Levan Verdzeuli/Getty Images
It all goes back to Euro 2024. After all, the Georgians were also the first to score from the penalty spot. It is true that Mikautadze distinguished himself. But the Czechs seemed lost in the second half. And they did not know what to do against the elegant and confident play of their opponents. After conceding a goal, they found nothing to respond to. And simply waited for a break.
Hasek made several changes in the hope of returning to the game he had at the start. But the Georgians were against it. They started the second half with much more confidence than the first and continued to shine. And most importantly, they scored the second quickly. Khvicha passed the ball to Chakvetadze, who broke away from the defenders and beat Kovarzh.
This was already serious. Maybe at least the second goal could shake up the Czech team? No way. They still didn’t understand how to act. And while they were trying to establish a systematic game, they missed the third. But this is a mistake by Krejci himself, who forgot about Mikautadze in the penalty area. The ball reached the striker after a cross, then it was a question of technique. He agrees with that.
Georges Mikautadze
Photo: Levan Verdzeuli/Getty Images
A couple of minutes later, the fourth goal. This is already being declassified. Again Khvicha made a good run into the centre and passed it to Chakvetadze, who sent it into the penalty area. And there Kochorashvili took advantage of the canopy.
Of course, different things were expected from this match, but certainly not a defeat. After all, the Georgians were not the clear favourites at first. The Czechs were still able to score a prestigious goal, but it meant nothing.
Georgia have started their journey in League B with a lot of confidence. On Tuesday they will play away against strong Albania. Also in their quartet is Ukraine. But with a game like that, it is unlikely that anyone will be able to stop Sagnol’s team.
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