Youthful Georgia hurt Scotland hopes

Georgia put a dent in Scotland's UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying hopes as a young home side secured an impressive win in Tbilisi against the Group B leaders.

Scotland denied
Scotland knew victory would leave them needing only a point at home to Italy next month to qualify. Instead they may now have to beat the world champions after goals from Levan Mchedlidze and David Siradze boosted the team lying sixth in the pool.

Teenager strikes
Home coach Klaus Toppmöller fielded a lineup with three teenagers, including 17-year-old debutant goalkeeper Giorgi Makaridze, and the hosts looked impressive from the off. Their pressure paid off on 16 minutes when Zurab Menteshashvili's incisive corner was headed past Craig Gordon at the near post by another man aged 17, Mchedlidze, winning only his second cap. The visitors tried to respond and Stephen McManus nodded over a James McFadden corner, before the goalscoring hero in France last month nearly claimed another himself with a long-range volley just over.

Second goal
But Georgia were holding out and they continued to do so after the break, before doubling their lead in the 64th minute. David Kvirkvelia took on Graeme Murty down the left before cutting the ball back for Siradze, who touched in from close range. Scotland pushed forward but chances were few and far between for Alex McLeish's men, as Georgia sealed a victory to add to their two against the Faroe Islands in this group.