Slovakia scale summit after victory in Georgia
Monday, November 18, 2013
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Georgia 1-3 Slovakia
The visitors recovered from a goal down in Gori to register their fourth win of the campaign and join the Netherlands at the top of Group 3.
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Slovakia recovered from a sluggish start in Gori to register a win that takes them level with the Netherlands at the top of qualifying Group 3.
Georgia were themselves on course to join the Jong Oranje on ten points after Valeri Kazaishvili broke the deadlock midway through the first half, but the lead lasted just four minutes. Karol Mészáros equalised and the visitors hit the front through Ondrej Duda, 18, who made it 2-1 just after the hour. Ivan Schranz sealed the points in added time to leave Slovakia level with the Netherlands having played a game more.
Georgia are three points adrift but will wonder how. Kazaishvili and Giorgi Chanturia provided a real threat going forward, especially in the first half, and even when Duda put the visitors in front with a long-range effort, Georgia had chances. Patrik Le Giang was immense in the Slovakia goal, however, making two brilliant saves, and the relief was evident when Schranz converted Matúš Marcin's cross from the left.
