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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Matt Verri

Georgia 1-1 Czech Republic: Georges Mikautadze scores again at Euro 2024 to earn first ever point

Georgia earned their first point at a major tournament as they held on for a 1-1 draw against Czech Republic.

It was a typically frantic start from Georgia, all-action in Hamburg to the delight of their raucous support, and they got their reward in first-half stoppage time.

VAR awarded them penalty for handball and Georges Mikautadze held his nerve to convert from the spot for his second goal at Euro 2024.

Czech Republic had been on top for much of the opening period and had the ball in the net themselves, but replays showed the final touch came off Adam Hlozek’s arm.

Their dominance was soon established after the break, and the almost inevitable equaliser came on the hour mark. Ondrej Lingr’s header from a corner bounced off the post, effectively hit Patrik Schick and rolled into the net.

The Czechs piled forward in search of a winner, looking a constant threat from set-pieces and crosses out wide, but Georgia held firm and, with the final kick, should have won it. They cleared the ball as a long-range shot was blocked, and suddenly had a three-on-one as they broke into the Czech half. The ball was rolled into the path of Saba Lobjanidze, who blasted over the bar with the match in his hands.

Both sides now hit on one point heading into their final Group F matches, knowing they will need a victory if they are to reach the last-16. Georgia face Portugal, while Czech Republic will take on Turkey.

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