Euro 2024: Czechia battles to draw against brave Georgia

Patrik Schick’s chest goal secured a 1-1 draw for the Czech Republic against newcomers Georgia in an engaging Euro 2024 Group F match on Saturday. This result leaves both teams in a challenging position as they await the clash between Portugal and Turkey, the group leaders who have already defeated the Czechs and Georgia respectively.

Georgia’s coach Willy Sagnol highlighted the progress of his team, noting their disappointment after the initial loss as a sign of how far they have come. Georgia’s spirited effort in Hamburg earned them their first point in the Euros. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili played a crucial role, making several excellent saves, while Georges Mikautadze scored from a penalty just before halftime.

Schick, known for his impressive performances in Euro 2020, scored an improvised goal to level the match in a thrilling encounter.

“Of course, one-all is not enough for us,” Schick told Czech television. “We were better throughout the game, had more chances, but unfortunately, the goalkeeper stopped everything in the first half, and then came the unfortunate penalty. We managed to equalize, pushed them but couldn’t score a second… we have a point and will play for everything in the last game.”

Georgia’s key players, Mikautadze and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, overcame medical concerns during the warm-up to start the match. They began aggressively, but it was Ivan Hasek’s Czech side that created the first clear opportunities, frequently testing Mamardashvili.

Georgia’s appeal for a penalty, when Zuriko Davitashvili went down under pressure from Ladislav Krejci, was dismissed. Both teams, eager for a win after initial losses, produced an entertaining, end-to-end game at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg.

Adam Hlozek had a goal disallowed for handball after a VAR review, and just before halftime, Czech goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek made a brilliant save from Georgia captain Guram Kashia. However, VAR identified a handball by Robin Hranac, leading to Mikautadze’s confident penalty conversion.

Mamardashvili continued his excellent form, saving from Schick just before the interval. The Czech Republic equalized when Schick chested in from close range after Ondrej Lingr’s header from a corner hit the post. This goal made Schick the Czech Republic’s top scorer in European Championships, surpassing Milan Baros with six goals. However, he later left the game with a suspected calf injury.

Georgia had a golden opportunity to win the match at the end, but substitute Saba Lobjanidze missed a clear chance, sending the ball over the bar with only the goalkeeper to beat.

At full-time, Georgia’s players were visibly disheartened, having missed the chance to secure a historic victory.

“Our first point is a historic moment,” Mamardashvili said. “Of course, we could have won right at the last. I am disappointed about that, but this is football, and anything can happen. He should be proud; we earned our first point.”