The match ended in a draw with a score of 2:2. In the 15th minute, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia opened the scoring in the match. After 4 minutes of the second half, Scott McTominay restored equality on the scoreboard. In the 57th minute, Kvaratskhelia scored twice and gave his team the lead again. In the 90+3rd minute, Lawrence Shankland saved the Scots from defeat.
It was a fundamental game for Georgia. Willy Sagnol’s team had to avenge their defeat in the first round (0:2).
The Scots took control of the ball from the opening minutes and the hosts had to settle for counter-attacks. And the first moment was left to the guests: a cross was sent from the right flank to the penalty line, where McTominay shot with one touch, but missed the goal. The hosts, on the contrary, knew how to capitalize on their luck. In the 15th minute, Otar Kakabadze crossed the opponent’s penalty area, the pass was not the most successful, but Khvicha, falling, reached out and sent the ball to the nearest corner.
The Georgians did not stop there and created another dangerous moment 10 minutes later. Shengelia fired a powerful shot from outside the penalty area, but Zander Clark came to his team’s rescue. This was followed by another moment for the hosts. Mikautadze’s shot hit the Scottish striker. The score at the end of the half no longer changed.
During the break, Steve Clark made a double substitution. Lewis Ferguson and Kenny McLean entered the field. And the replacement worked. In the 49th minute, McLean, who came on, passed the ball to McTominay. The midfielder shot low into the near corner. The goalkeeper was watching the ball. The tie didn’t last long. After 8 minutes, Khvicha scored a double. The Napoli striker received a pass from Chakvetadze, ran into the penalty area, moved to the right and shot into the far corner. Clark didn’t reach him. The visitors tried to equalize in the 62nd minute. Lyndon Dykes, from McTominay’s pass, headed towards the top corner, Mamardashvili saved his team.
In the 79th minute, Steve Clarke made two more substitutions. Anthony Ralston and Stuart Armstrong entered the field. Once again, the replacement of the Scottish specialist worked. In the 3rd minute of injury time, Greg Taylor’s replacement Armstrong crossed from the left flank and Lawrence Shankland headed towards him to save his team from defeat.
This match did not decide anything for the two teams. Scotland have already secured their exit from the group in second place, having gained 15 points before the match. And Georgia, having won, could tie the Norwegian team on points, but this will not be enough to qualify.
Yahya Hasanov, Athletistic
Source: Sport
I’m Scott Moore, a professional writer and journalist based in the US. I’ve been writing for various publications for over 8 years now, and have been working as an author at athletistic for the past five years. My work has been featured by some of the leading sports websites and magazines across Europe.
