Despite its clear domination, the Czech Republic could not obtain better than a frustrating draw against Georgia (1-1), Saturday June 22, during the second day of the group stage, in Hamburg.
The Czechs can blame themselves for the countless missed opportunities, whether through clumsiness or several reflex saves from Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Georges Mikautadze, the striker who plays for FC Metz, opened the scoring from the penalty spot, against the run of play, just before the break. His Czech counterpart Patrik Schick equalized on the hour mark, with a good dose of opportunism (and success) following a corner. Hit in the right leg, the latter had to leave his partners prematurely.
In group F, this result does not help either of the two selections, since before their last match, they have only one point, behind Turkey and Portugal, who had beaten them in the first match.
What you must remember
- The fall: Giorgi Mamardashvili
Last bastion of a defense in difficulty during almost the entire match, the Georgian goalkeeper had work, a lot of work. Precise on high balls, Mamardashvili was especially incredible on his line, making a whopping nine saves. Let’s remember this parade at the end of the first period to deflect a powerful low shot from Patrik Schick.
1-0, 45e : Largely dominated in the first period, the Georgians took advantage of a hand in the area from defender Robin Hranac to obtain a penalty. Messin Georges Mikautadze does not tremble and takes the Czech goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek on the wrong foot!
1-1, 59e : After a corner, Patrik Schick is very happy to see the ball bounce off the post, then onto his chest. The initial header was from Ondrej Lingr, who had just come on.
For the first match in their history at the Euro, the Georgians did well against Turkey, but ultimately lost 3-1 on Tuesday June 18. By securing a draw against the Czech Republic, the Crusaders thus collect the first point in their history in the competition, and can still dream of qualifying for the round of 16.
- The turning point of the match: Saba Lobzhanidze missed the hold-up!
The Czechs hit twenty-six times on goal (compared to five for the Georgians), and will surely regret having to share the points. But they will also remember that they came very close to defeat. In the final moments, Georgia benefited from a counterattack with three attackers against a defender, concluded with a shot over Girogi Lobzhanidze.
Certainly, there was suspense. Certainly, both teams scored. But we still had more exciting experiences in this Euro.
