Scotland downed by Kazaishvili strike

• First victory and goal under coach Kakhaber Tskhadadze
• Valeri Kazaishvili scores winner with half-volley
• Scotland fail to close in on Poland and Germany
• Georgia gain revenge for 1-0 defeat in Glasgow last year
• Next games: Republic of Ireland v Georgia, Scotland v Germany (7 September)

Scotland's Steven Naismith (left) and Levan Mchedlidze of Georgia©AFP/Getty Images

Georgia recorded their first win and goal under new coach Kakhaber Tskhadadze and simultaneously dented Scotland's hopes of finishing in the top two in UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying Group D.

Valeri Kazaishvili's strike proved the difference in a game coloured by disciplined and diligent defensive play. The Vitesse midfielder showed impressive close control and an eye for goal by powering a half-volley into the bottom-right corner from 20 metres. His goal helped Tskhadadze celebrate his first victory in charge of the national team and end a run of five matches without a competitive win at home.

That one moment of quality lit up a first half dominated by defences in a cagey contest that produced very few moments of danger. Realising what was at stake, Scotland improved their attacking threat after the break, Steven Fletcher rattling the post having been given offside. However, they failed to test home goalkeeper Nukri Revishvili once, Grant Hanley's header wide from a late corner the closest they came.

Gordon Strachan's men were unbeaten in their past five competitive outings but that counted for nothing as they suffered a similar defeat to the one on their only previous visit to Tbilisi. That 2-0 loss in 2007 proved critical to their hopes of qualifying for UEFA EURO 2008.

Levan Mchedlidze was on target that day and almost repeated the trick with a fierce drive that visiting goalkeeper David Marshall was forced to tip over. Minutes later the forward again had the opportunity to increase the margin of victory but fired a volley into the side-netting.