Georgia kicked off their UEFA Nations League Group B1 campaign in style with a resounding 4-1 victory over the Czech Republic, just months after their previous meeting ended in a draw. The hosts continued their fine form from the summer, building on their momentum after an impressive Euro 2024.
Before the match, Georgia’s star forward Georges Mikautadze was honored for his achievement as the top scorer at Euro 2024, but the relegated Czech side quickly made it clear they were there for business, not ceremonies. They started aggressively, putting Georgia under pressure early on. Patrik Schick forced a strong save from Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, while Ladislav Krejci’s header narrowly missed, looping over the bar.
Georgia’s Giorgi Chakvetadze looked lively, frequently finding himself in dangerous positions, though he struggled to capitalize on his early chances, shooting wide and then too close to Czech keeper Matej Kovar. The Czech Republic’s injury woes continued as Matej Rynes was forced off the pitch before the 30-minute mark, disrupting their early rhythm.
Georgia took control of the game with a swift counterattack, leading to a penalty when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was fouled by Krejci. Kvaratskhelia, Georgia’s talismanic winger, coolly converted the spot-kick, giving the hosts the lead.
After halftime, Czech manager Ivan Hasek made changes, including introducing Lukas Kalvach, but it backfired as Kalvach’s sloppy pass was intercepted by Mikautadze, though the error went unpunished. However, Georgia soon doubled their lead when Chakvetadze raced forward and squeezed the ball under Kovar.
Mikautadze then added to his tally, connecting perfectly with Luka Lochoshvili’s precise cross and volleying home to make it 3-0. Georgia’s relentless attack continued, and Chakvetadze set up Giorgi Kochorashvili, who headed past Kovar for the fourth goal in 13 minutes, effectively sealing the game.
The Czech Republic managed to pull one back in the 80th minute when Kalvach scored with a well-taken strike after Ondrej Lingr’s initial shot was saved, but it was little more than a consolation.
The victory marked Georgia’s fifth consecutive unbeaten match in Tbilisi and a perfect start to their first campaign in the Nations League’s second tier. In stark contrast, the Czech Republic’s struggles continued as they suffered their fifth consecutive Nations League defeat, following their worst-ever performance at the European Championships as an independent nation.
