Georgia 0-2 Germany: Hard-fought victory

The reigning world champions did not easily crush their 126th FIFA ranked opponent in the Euro 2016 qualifying match on the evening of March 29.

Georgia player blocks Muller from dribbling. Photo: Reuters.

Germany's two goals came in quick succession late in the first half. Marco Reus opened the scoring in the 39th minute before Thomas Muller sealed a 2-0 win in the 44th minute.

The victory did not take Germany to the top of Group D, but they are now just one point behind Poland. Group leaders Poland drew 1-1 away to the Republic of Ireland after Shane Long equalised for the home team in the 90th minute.

In Group D, Scotland has 10 points like Germany but is in third place because of an inferior head-to-head goal difference.

With the battle for the top two spots in Group D so tight, Germany know they must win when they travel to Tbilisi. The 125-place gap in the FIFA rankings somewhat reflects the difference in skill between the two sides, but that doesn't mean Georgia will give Germany an easy night.

Georgia had a difficult start when captain Alexander Amisulashvili had to leave the field after just four minutes due to injury. Despite this, Georgia maintained a good game against Germany. The home team played a large defensive game but did not retreat. Georgia were confident in holding the ball against the reigning world champions and launching attacks whenever possible. This helped them to relieve some of the pressure that the Germans put on their defense for most of the game.

Germany won thanks to their class and coolness in taking advantage of opportunities. Photo: Reuters.

Germany dominated possession but Joachim Low's players struggled against a disciplined, crowded defence. Georgia's defenders kept their distance well and quickly closed in whenever Germany approached the 16m50 box. This left even technically gifted stars like Marco Reus, Mario Gotze and Ozil helpless due to the lack of space to maneuver.

Both German goals demonstrated the tightness of Georgia's defence. Marco Reus and Thomas Muller both had to finish quickly in the box after a flurry of play before the home defenders could get in.

Marco Reus could have scored a hat-trick in this match if he had not been denied by the crossbar twice early in the first half and midway through the second. These were also Germany's most dangerous chances besides the two goals.

Starting lineup

Georgia (5-4-1):Loria: Lobzhanidze, Kverkvelia, Amisulashvili, Kashia, Navalovski; Kobakhidze, Kankava, Makharadze, Okriashvili; Mchedlidze.

Germany (4-2-3-1):Neuer; Rudy, Boateng, Hummels, Hector; Schweinsteiger, Kroos; Muller, Ozil, Reus; Gotze.

Goal:Reus (39'), Muller (44')

According to VNE