Georgia hopes to have learned the lesson from the 1:3 defeat against Turkey in their debut European Championship. The Czech Republic, on the other hand, must release the handbrake they pulled in the 1:2 defeat against Portugal.
Second matchday
Saturday, 3 p.m.:
Georgia – Czech Republic
Hamburg, SR Siebert (GER)
Possible setups:
Georgia: Mamardashvili – Kvirkvelia, Kashia, Dwali – Kakabadze, Chakvetadze, Mekvabishvili, Kochorashvili, Tsitaishvili – Mikautadze, Kvarazkhelia
Czech Republic: Stanek – Zima, Holes, Krejci – Coufal, Barak, Soucek, Provod, Doudera – Schick, Chytil
Newcomer Georgia impressed against Turkey with a strong fighting performance and many scoring opportunities. What was missing to win the points? “A bit of talent, a bit of experience,” explained team manager Willy Sagnol. “Things that we can only gain by taking part in tournaments like this.” For the former world-class defender from France, one thing is clear: “The more games like this we play, the better we will be.”
Kiteishvili hopes for action
Otar Kiteischwili of Austrian champions Puntigamer Sturm Graz was on the bench after sustaining an injury in what was possibly the most exciting match of the tournament so far. The midfielder is currently recovering from a calf injury sustained in the last European Championship test, but he could be fit again for the Czech Republic match on Saturday.
The Georgians will face a Czech team that had little possession against Portugal. The Czechs’ defensive focus to neutralize Portugal’s ball artists will now probably be softened. Key players such as Patrik Schick, the second-best goalscorer at Euro 2021, could thus come to life – he will probably get a new partner in attack.
They showed great heart and sacrificed themselves against Portugal, explained Schick. “If we approach the next games like this, become more active and show a little, or rather a lot, more forward play, we can be successful,” said the goal scorer from German champions Bayer Leverkusen.
