Under-17, Georgia win with a misleading 4-1 scoreline: Ciacci on target for the temporary equaliser

San Marino opened Group B3 of UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifying by hosting their Georgian counterparts at the “Ezio Conti” Stadium in Dogana, while Andorra and Wales met at the same time on the artificial pitch in Acquaviva. There were few thrills early on, with the Titani standing out for their aggression and compactness and also trying to break forward – although at times they lacked quality with the final ball. At the other end, Georgia were kept well under control – so much so that Kobakhidze’s side soon resorted to long-range efforts. With this approach, Sharikadze brought Bucci into the game, the goalkeeper reacting smartly also on Mikautadze’s follow-up, both in the 18th minute. The visiting striker was involved again in the move that broke the deadlock midway through the half: his harmless-looking header took a crucial, unfortunate deflection off Jourdain, leaving Bucci with no chance of intervening. San Marino replied with a good move down the right, thwarted by Tchelidze rushing off his line, while Bucchi – shortly afterwards – was stopped for offside at the end of a fine combination. On 27 minutes, Bucci had to fly to the top corner to deny Sharikadze a second directly from a free-kick. A good opportunity fell to San Marino shortly before the half-hour mark: Bucchi pounced on a loose ball just outside the box, but his left-footed strike failed to hit the target. The youngsters in light blue threatened again on 37 minutes, first with a shot from Bucchi – blocked – and then with the ever-dangerous Ciacci, who found the net but only from the wrong side. Three minutes later Bucci was called into action again, crucially stopping Gergedava’s shot on the turn from close range. Bonesso’s team did not sit back and gave the opposition defence a scare on 41 minutes, when Montebelli’s low driven cross-shot flashed across the penalty area untouched. No less clear was the chance created from Mazza’s set-piece, where Zavoli arrived a fraction too late – just a few metres from goal. The closing stages of the half belonged to San Marino, as underlined by Valentini’s attempt that forced Tchelidze into a save.

Bonesso’s boys maintained their positive momentum at the start of the second half, winning two corners in quick succession that did not bring the desired outcome. It was only a matter of time, though, before the Titani seized control of the second period: Bucchi struck the woodwork with a magnificent curling left-footer after a splendid move down the right flank. Just a few seconds later, San Marino twice broke through on the opposite side: on the second occasion, Montebelli picked out the gap to slip in Ciacci, who produced an impeccable first-time left-footed finish that left Tchelidze with no chance and restored parity on the scoreboard. Unfortunately, it would last less than five minutes, after initially hinting at a completed comeback: the Biancazzurrini were straight back in front of goal, but the Georgian keeper pulled off two miraculous saves on 62 minutes. His interventions launched a counter-attack from which Georgia found an incredible 2-1 goal through Mikautadze, who scored with a powerful left-footed strike. Having escaped a major scare, Kobakhidze’s team immediately found a cushion goal through Gazdeliani, sharpest to attack Kuntchulia’s cross and ghost in at the far post. A few minutes later, the scorer of the third called Bucci into action again from mid-range. The scoreline, already misleading at that stage, swelled to 4-1 right on 90 minutes, when Jamarauli burst down the right, cut back onto his other foot and slipped the ball past the San Marino keeper from close range at his near side.

San Marino leave empty-handed from a match in which they held their own for long stretches against highly-rated Georgia, who pulled away on the scoresheet also due to the psychological blow of the 2-1 goal. Nevertheless, the Titani showed they possess significant qualities: Bonesso’s boys will certainly want to put them on display again on Monday against Wales, with kick-off once more at 11:00 in Dogana. The British side drew 0-0 with Andorra in the game played simultaneously in Acquaviva.

UEFA European Under-17 Championship, Round 2 – Group B3, Matchday 1 | San Marino-Georgia 1-4

SAN MARINO (5-3-2)

Bucci; Valentini (77’ Pala), Sammaritani (72’ Cervellini), Jourdain, Zavoli, Terni; Montali (84’ Balsimelli), Mazza (72’ Cervellini), Bucchi; Ciacci, Montebelli (72’ Raschi)

Substitutes: Michelotti, Piergiacomi, Romiti, Baggiarini

Head coach: Alessandro Loris Bonesso

GEORGIA (4-3-3)

Tchelidze; Sharikadze (81’ Tsiramua), Kiladze, Getiashvili, Lolua; Kuntchulia, Gergedava (63’ Lagvilava), Avdoevi; Khatoyan (63’ Jamarauli), Mikautadze (85’ Demir), Gazdeliani (81’ Kaladze)

Substitutes: Tsartsidze, Sharvashidze, A. Potskhveria, N. Potskhveria

Head coach: Alexander Kobakhidze

Referee: Cihan Aydin (TUR)

Assistant referees: Mehmet Tugral (TUR), Athanasios Kollias (GRE)

Fourth official: Fotios Polychronis (GRE)

Scorers: 21’ (og) Jourdain, 58’ Ciacci, 62’ Mikautadze, 67’ Gazdeliani, 90’ Jamarauli

Cautioned: Getiashvili, Sammaritani, Bonesso, Raschi