This is how Georgia knocked out Portugal: the best generation in its history

The fight in between Georgia and Portugal This surprised many, though not all. We, I became an assistant coach Greecewe already experienced this three months ago, after a 0-0 draw, penalties gave victory to Georgia in the final play-off match for European Cup. Greece was eliminated and Georgia qualified for the first time in its history to a major tournament. It will be Spain’s rival next Sunday.

At the time, Georgia led the way Willy Sagnolhe presented us with a 5-3-2 Defensively, the same formation seen today against Portugal. Their strategy is clear: be strong at the back and take advantage of counterattacks with their quality players.

The match can be summed up with Portugal dominating possession in the opposite field, trying to generate opportunities in association football, while Georgia pressed the lines and defended the inner spaces to emerge quickly attack

It is important that this apparent control of Portugal’s game does not confuse or relax the players. Portuguese centre-backs need to be attentive to defensive surveillance, that is, “when I don’t have the ball, I am attentive in case my teammate loses it.” However, there were some quick attacks made by the Georgians.

This is how the first goal of the game came in the 2nd minute, when an unforced error by the young center-back of Benfica, Antonio Silvaresulting in a back pass intercepted by the forward Mikautadze. After a good drive and luring the two centre-backs, Inácio and Pereira, Mikautadze gave the ball to Kvaratskheliawhich concluded the swift action of the attack.

The goal did not change the dynamics of the match, and Portugal, coached by the Catalan Robert Martinezkeep looking for the tie. João Felixof FC Barcelonaexcelling in insisting on finding openings to attack the Georgians.

Portugal created scoring opportunities, but the goalkeeper’s performance Mamardashvili and a collective defense thwarted their attempts. Offensive play dominated the middle, which was mostly controlled by the three center backs and the three Georgian midfielders. Perhaps Portugal need to find more efficiency on the wings to create more imbalances.

Counter Featured Player

Kvaratskhelia, from Naples, has the ability to make a difference in the offensive phase. What to do to counter his game? This is where preliminary tactical analysis of the opposing team comes in to determine plans and strategies.

When Portugal studied Georgia, the coaching staff must have analyzed how to counter the abilities of the opposing team and its players. As coaches, we study opposing teams, we see their strengths, we see them in video meetings, we work in training and discuss strategic approaches with the team. But obviously with that first goal, too many things went wrong.

First of all, the back pass is wrong. Silvawhich was easily intercepted by the Georgian forward of Metz; then the two defenders closest to the goal, Inácio and Pereira They focus only on the owner of the ball and nothing on the possible receiver. Although it was not easy, it was more advisable if Pereira slightly adjusted his position to be closer to Kvaratskhelia.

To avoid a repeat of this type, it will be crucial for Portugal to reduce ball losses in the opponent’s half, apply pressure immediately after the ball is lost and prevent Georgia’s best players from having too much ball.

Conclusions from Georgia vs Portugal

– Portugal topped the group. The goal was accomplished, but there were doubts after losing and conceding two goals against a theoretically inferior team. Although they have played some less than average players, they should recover their best version for the round of 16, where every match will be decisive.

– We met the best generation in the history of Georgian football, including some players in great European teams: Mamardashvili (Valencia), Kochorashvili (Levante), Kvaratskhelia (Naples), Mikautadze (Metz), Chakvetadze (Watford), among others. Let’s see if they can surprise against a Spanish team that proves to be one of the best in its performance and game.