Belarus beat Georgia thanks to Savitski strike
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Article summary
Belarus 1-0 Georgia
Pavel Savitski's first-half goal was enough for Belarus to open their elite round Group 6 account and end Georgia's hopes.
Article top media content
Article body
Belarus are off the mark in UEFA European Under-17 Championship elite round Group 6 thanks to a victory that ends Georgia's chances.
Belarus were beaten 5-1 by Norway in their opening game but now have renewed hope of reaching May's finals in Serbia. They had taken the lead through Pavel Savitski on Friday and the same player proved the difference on Sunday.
Savitski headed in Filip Kazlouski's corner after 23 minutes to score the decisive goal for his team. Though Georgia mounted a second-half comeback, they were unable to find a way through, Budu Zivzivadze spurning their best opportunity with only Belarus keeper Matvei Frantskevich to beat.
"We were waiting for this win," said Belarus coach Valiantsin Mikheyeu. "When we scored against Norway, my boys got scared because they were ahead. That's typical of boys of this age group." To qualify, his side must beat hosts France on Wednesday and hope Norway do not defeat Georgia.