The Georgian national team could not break the ice. They played Ireland 6 times and lost all matches. Failure was really sad, because Ireland scored then when all the fans of Georgia thought that the apprentices of Ketsbaia will get points. However, it was approved once again, that the game continues until the referee’s final whistle.
Euro-2016 qualifying takes place in a different format, because 24 teams will play in France at the final stage. According to the new regulations, first-second placed teams and the best third placed hit the European Championship automatically. Eight third placed teams will play in playoff and it will reveal another 4 teams, which will go to France. The host of this tournament will be added to these 23 teams. By the way, the French national team will play beyond competition in I group.
UEFA announced each round of qualifying as “Football Week” and changed playing days too. So, it is first time that the match of Euro qualifying took place on Sunday. Like the games of Champions League, the teams stood in front of specially designed arch before showing up. It should be also said that FIFA celebrates the day of Fear Play on September 7.
Solomon Kvirkvelia had his debut in the official match, who was coupled with Akaki Khubutia and Guram Kashia in the defense center. Ucha Lobzhanidze played as right defender.
Temur Ketsbaia had the most problems in the left guard position, but finally he made decision between Gia Grigalava and Davit Kvirkvelia and chose the last one.
Jaba Kankava and Murtaz Daushvili acted in the midfield center, from the right was Tornike Okriashvili, from the left Jano Ananidze and Nika Gelashvili was in attack.
Irish head coach Martin O’Neill did not name the composition at the press conference, hold before the match. But he made Robbie Keane (team’s captain), who was with him at the press conference, stand in lineup.
Ireland tried to gain superiority from the beginning and Solomon Kvirkvelia parried the dangerous kick of John Walters from the right wing.
In the middle of the half, the Georgian team was able to open the score twice but they failed.
The Irish attack resulted a goal in the Georgian team’s goal post. Keane assisted the ball to James McCarthy and one of the leaders of the visitors opened the score.
Few minutes later Kankava entered in the penalty area with a ball but failed. He got trauma and needed medical assistance. Afterwards, Davit Kvirkvelia and Walters had a quarrel and they got yellow card.
At the 38th minute Okriashvili scored the beautiful goal and made the score 1:1.
At the end of the half, Giorgi Loria got trauma and Roin Kvaskhvadze replaced him in the second half.
Georgians hope to get points against Ireland for the first time McGeady poured a “cold water”. He got the ball between two defenders, “cheated” both of them and fixed the final score.
Qualifying of European Championship 2016
Georgia–Ireland 1:2 (1:1)
September 7. Tbilisi. “Dinamo Arena”.
Georgia: Loria (Roin Kvaskhavdze, 46), Guram Kashia, Ucha Lobzhanidze, Davit Kvirkvelia, Solomon Kvirkvelia, Khubutia, Kankava (cap.), Okriashvili (Mchedlidze, 88), Ananidze (Targamadze, 63), Daushvili, Gelashvili.
Head coach: Temur Ketsbaia.
Ireland: Forde, Coleman, Wilson, O’Shea, Whelan, McGeady, McCarthy (Meyler, 90), Keane (cap) (Long, 75), Walters, Ward, Quinn (Brady, 75).
Head coach: Martin O’Neill.
Goals: 0:1 McGeady (23), 1:1 Okriashvili (38), 1:2 McGeady (90).
Yellow cards: Davit Kvirkvelia (37), Walters (37), Khubutia (48), Daushvili (83)
Main referee: Bern Blom (Netherlands).
Lasha Tabagari