Substitute Saba Lobjanidze missed a crucial chance for Georgia with the final kick of the game as the debutants earned their first point in a major tournament, drawing 1-1 against the Czech Republic.
Georgia, the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, took the lead in first-half stoppage time when striker Georges Mikautadze scored from the penalty spot. The Czech Republic, quarter-finalists three years ago, were the more threatening side throughout the match. They eventually equalized when Patrik Schick scored after substitute Ondrej Lingr’s shot hit the post.
Schick was injured shortly after, but Georgia’s goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili made several crucial saves to secure a draw. In the final seconds, Lobjanidze had a chance to win the game but shot over the bar after a three-on-one break.
This result means both teams still have a chance to advance to the last 16 in their final Group F games on Wednesday.
‘The ones who never try will never miss’
Georgia impressed many with their bold and fearless play, especially after a strong performance in their debut against Turkey. They almost claimed a historic win against the Czech Republic. Despite being outplayed by a dominant Czech team, they managed to counterattack from a late Czech corner, setting up Lobjanidze who missed from 12 yards.
Georgia’s manager, Willy Sagnol, a former World Cup finalist and Champions League winner, sympathized with Lobjanidze. “The ones who never try will never miss, the best way to miss is to try,” Sagnol said. He acknowledged the team’s disappointment but emphasized their achievement of earning their first point at a major tournament. The team supported Lobjanidze, who felt very down, and aimed to cheer him up.
Wasted chances hamper Czechs
A defeat would have been harsh on the Czechs, who had 27 shots on goal. Mamardashvili made a double save early in the match, and Bayer Leverkusen striker Schick had an early opportunity but missed. Another chance came from West Ham defender Vladimir Coufal’s long throw, leading to an effort by Adam Hlozek, but the goal was disallowed for handball after a video review.
Georgia earned their penalty after another video review for handball against Robin Hranac. Mikautadze scored his second goal of the tournament from the spot.
The Czech Republic continued to press and were rewarded when Lingr’s header hit the post, allowing Schick to score. Moments later, Ladislav Krejci missed a similar chance by heading wide, and Schick limped off with a calf injury, which could impact the group’s final outcomes.
The Czech Republic’s 12 shots on target were the most by a team that failed to win a match at the Euros since 1980. They will face Turkey next, while Georgia, ranked 74th by FIFA, will take on Portugal, with a win potentially securing their advancement.
Sagnol added, “When you are Georgia, you can’t pretend you can win the European Championship. But if before the competition you would have told me we might play for qualification in the last match, I would have signed immediately. We will play with ambition.”