Georgia hold hosts Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan 1-1 Georgia
Georgia followed up their dramatic weekend draw with Ukraine by coming from behind to hold Azerbaijan in a friendly.

Home team ahead
PFC Neftchi strike duo Samir Aliyev and Branimir Subašić were instrumental for the home team in the first half and Azerbaijan went ahead just before the break. Emin Imamaliev crossed from the right and Subašić beat young goalkeeper Georgi Makaridze with a smart header. Aliyev had a further chance seconds later but his shot was centimetres wide of the post. Georgia's only first-half opportunity fell to Ilia Kandelaki, whose attempt was parried by Farkhad Veliyev.

Georgia level
Yet early in the second period Georgia, playing without several regulars, replied through Dimitri Tatanashvili who was first to a cross into the area from the right. Azerbaijan did have chances to win as Makaridze somehow managed to keep out an Aliyev strike. Georgia's only opportunity came when David Bolkvadze fired wide after a brilliant passing move. Azerbaijan return to UEFA EURO 2008™ Group A action on 13 October against Portugal while Georgia, sixth in Group B following Saturday's last-gasp 1-1 draw with Ukraine, visit Italy the same day.