Former Celtic striker misses crucial penalty as Georgia secure spot at Euro 2024
Georgia have made history after qualifying for Euro 2024 after overcoming Greece in their play-off encounter in Tblisi.
Willy Sagnol’s men will move into Group F alongside Turkey, Portugal and Czech Republic by virtue of defeating the Greeks on penalties following a 0-0 draw at the Boris Paichadze Arena in the Georgian capital. The hosts won the shoot-out 4-2, with former Celtic striker Giorgios Giakoumakis – who is in good form in the MLS over the United States with Atlanta United – missing the penalty that allowed Georgia to win it through Nika Kvekveskiri. Anastasios Bakasetas also missed for the visitors, while Georges Mikautadze failed for Georgia early in the shootout.
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Hide AdGeorgia finished fourth in Scotland’s qualifying group but earned a play-off berth through their performance in the Nations League. They take their place at a major tournament for the first time since becoming an independent nation in 1991.
The defeat will come as a major blow to Euro 2004 winners Greece, who had been expected to progress past the Georgians.
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