GeorgiaGreece
European Championship qualification – matchday 1 – 26/03/24 – 6:00 PM
Georgia has reached the final round of a major tournament for the first time since the country’s independence in 1990. In the final of play-off path C, the home team in the capital Tbilisi defeated Greece on penalties 4-2. After 120 minutes it was still 0-0. Poland also needed penalties to be the last to qualify for the European Championship.
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Georgia had defeated Luxembourg 2-0 in the semi-final a few days ago and had the opportunity to get their first European Championship ticket for their own people.
At Georgia, Kvaratschelia regained his starting place – which he had to return suspended against Luxembourg – at the expense of Mikautadze, ex-Seraing.
The first half was a battle for midfield. Georgia was only dangerous with a free kick from Tsjakvetadze (ex-AA Gent) at the end. After the break the Greeks were a bit more active, but not very threatening. Because the Georgians were excellent defensively and offensively, extra time was inevitable.
Greece, which crushed Kazakhstan 5-0 in the semi-final, was close to scoring in the first extra time, but Mavrapanos headed onto the crossbar.
In the penalty series, Mikautadze (ex-Seraing) missed, but for Greece Bakasetas and Giakoumakis followed his example.
The joy at Georgia, which is coached by the Frenchman Willy Sagnol (ex-Bayern Munich), was more than great. There were exuberant celebrations everywhere, including by the players in the press room.
Poland conquers last European Championship ticket
Poland was also the last country to qualify for the European Championship on Tuesday evening.
Because no goals had been scored after 90 minutes and extra time, penalties had to be decided. The score was tied at 4-5. Then Daniel James missed for Wales and Robert Lewandowski and co were allowed to celebrate.
As the winner of path A, Poland will end up in group D at the European Championships this summer with the Netherlands, Austria and France. It is Poland’s fifth consecutive participation in a European championship. A quarter-final in France in 2016 is the best result so far.
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2024-03-26 22:48:27
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