Early glee for Georgia
Tuesday, September 7, 2004
Article summary
Georgia 2-1 Albania Early goals from Shota Kashia and Irakli Modebadze decide an eventful match in Tbilisi.
Article body
Nine-man Georgia overcame ten-man Albania in a tempestuous match in Tbilisi, the three points from which took the home side to second place in Group 2.
Perfect start
Georgia got off to the best possible start when defender Shota Kashia shot in from 35 metres with a fine effort, then doubled their lead after 18 minutes when Irakli Modebadze connected perfectly with a Gocha Khojava cross.
Immediate response
Referee Marek Mikolajewski was at the centre of an eventful first 45 minutes, dismissing Georgia's Georgic Tsimakuridze and Albania's Gjergji Muzaka soon after Denis Boshnjaku had cut the home team's lead in the 22nd minute.
Totladze in form
Georgia lost their second player of the night moments into the second half when Gogita Gogua was dismissed for violent conduct. Albania created several chances as the game wore on but Georgian goalkeeper Irakli Totladze was in fine form for Gocha Tkebuchava's side.