Georgia peg back Germany

Germany 2-2 Georgia
Despite dominating for long periods and twice leading, Germany had to settle for a draw at home to Georgia.

Tournament hosts
The hosts at the upcoming UEFA European Under-21 Championship finals took control of the match from the first whistle against spirited opponents who were coached for the first time by former French international Alain Giresse.

Early pressure
Despite captain Hanno Balitsch and Benjamin Lauth both withdrawing at the last minute, Germany began the match the brighter and Guiseppe Gementi had the first chance, sending a free-kick narrowly wide in the eighth minute. Three minutes later, the home side were in front as Thomas Broich sent three Georgian defenders the wrong way before picking out Mike Hanke and the FC Schalke 04 striker gave Germany the lead.

Hanke miss
The home side should have doubled their lead in the 25th minute as Hanke met another Broich cross, but this time the striker's attempted chip drifted over both goalkeeper Giorgi Lomaia and the crossbar. At the other end, German goalkeeper Tim Wiese was not called into action until the 32nd minute, making his save from Witali Daraselia's powerful shot from the edge of the area look easy.

Unexpected equaliser
Although Germany were still on top entering the second half, they were pegged back ten minutes after the restart as, out of nowhere, the visitors drew level. Daraselia's free-kick into the penalty area was met by Rati Alexidse and the substitute headed in from close range.

Feulner strikes
Lukas Podolski and Hanke had chances to restore Germany's lead before the home side went back in front seven minutes past the hour. Alexander Madlung's long ball found Hanke and the striker cleverly squared for Markus Feulner to shoot in from the edge of the area.

Penalty leveller
Uli Stielike's side had a string of chances to clinch the game, but lost their lead again as Alexander Madlung brought down Lado Akhalaia in the penalty area and George Namdadse converted the spot-kick.

'Outstanding job'
"When you just look at the result it doesn't look all that good, but each and every one of my players did an outstanding job tonight," said Stielike. "I am very happy with the performance because it was fun to watch my players. The skill we showed was great."

'Great fun'
"Playing for the U21 national team is always special," Feulner said. "It was great fun being part of this side tonight, but sadly we conceded two goals and didn't manage to win the match."