FIt was a game ‘of moments’ at the Batumi Arena that anyone could have won in the final stretch… but it was defined with a distribution of points (1-1) that benefits the Spanish teamnumber one candidate to lead this group in the qualifying phase for Euro 2024 in Germany. Sorloth led the way to the Nordic victory but Mikautadze equalized in the second half to make it clear that it will not be easy to leave Georgia with the three points.
In the absence of Haaland, the star of the match was Kvaratskhelia… but it was not a brilliant match for the Napoli winger. Located in a double end and with his team more withdrawn than what he is used to in Italy, He left several actions of merit but could not make a difference. It was Georges Mikautadze (Metz) who dressed as a hero to take advantage of the slowness in the open field of a Strandberg who he portrayed in the equalizing goal.
Before, Sorloth scored the 0-1 with a great goal. The Real Sociedad forward beat Mamardashvili in a fantastic action that he drew and finished off from the edge of the area. It was the only time the Norwegians beat the inspired goal of Valencia. Odegaard, already in the final stretch, missed an incredible opportunity to have added 1-2.
This tie places both teams with just one point. Georgia, it is true, was facing its first game on this road to EURO’24. They have never been in a final phase of a major tournament and their ‘Golden Generation’ excites a crowd that filled the Batumi Arena. Norway, at least for now, disappoints without Haaland: 1 point out of 6 possible for the Nordics.
