A Giorgi Mamardashvili goalkeeping masterclass secured Georgia a hard-fought 1-1 draw against a dominant Czech Republic side at Volksparkstadion.
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Two handball decisions go against the CzechsSchick goals keeps them in with a shoutGeorgia dramatically missed last-second one-v-oneTELL ME MORE
The game began at a helter-skelter pace and had it not been for Mamardashvili making two quick-fire saves in a matter of seconds, the Czechs would have led inside the opening five minutes. Adam Hlozek looked to have put his side ahead in the 23rd minute when he bundled the ball home – only for it to be chalked off as he handled in the build-up. Ivan Hasek's men dominated the first half but conceded a silly penalty courtesy of Robin Hranac handling in the box and Georges Mikautadze dispatched the resulting spot-kick just before the break to give Georgia a shock lead.
The Czechs were a huge threat from set pieces and just before the hour-mark Patrik Schick tapped in from close range after a dangerous free-kick wasn't dealt with. Try as they might, the Czech Republic, who had 26 shots to Georgia's five and 61% possession, couldn't break down the Crusaders' stubborn resistance at Volksparkstadion. And they almost threw it all away as a slick Georgia counter-attack in the final seconds resulted in Saba Lobzhanidze having a huge chance to make it 2-1 only to blaze over the bar. So it's a point apiece that ultimately does little for either team's chances of reaching the last 16; with both desperately needing a win in their final group-stage match.
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Giorgi Mamardashvili: While Mikautadze took his penalty well, the Georgian keeper was in irresistible form and his brilliance repeatedly kept the Czechs at bay. The Valencia stopper made a brilliant double save early on and a stunning, finger-tip stop to deny Schick and preserve their advantage just before half-time. Even though he could do nothing for the equaliser, the 23-year-old arguably put in the best goalkeeping display of the Euros as his country picked up their first-ever point in the competition.
THE BIG LOSER
Robin Hranac: It's been a tough tournament for the big defender. He struggled against Portugal and he conceded a penalty versus Georgia, too. The 24-year-old looked a bit shaky at the back and needs to improve for the next match.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Georgia, who lost their first match 3-1 to Turkey, round off their group-stage campaign against Portugal on Wednesday night, whereas the Czechs, who were beaten 2-1 by the Portuguese in their tournament opener, take on Turkey on the same day.