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Georgia and the Czech Republic are set to launch their 2024-25 UEFA Nations League campaigns with a highly anticipated clash at Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in Tbilisi this Saturday evening. This fixture marks the beginning of their respective bids to earn promotion from League B Group 1, a section that also features Ukraine and Albania. Both teams, having recently shared a group at Euro 2024, are looking to rebuild momentum and set the tone for a successful Nations League journey after contrasting experiences at the summer’s major tournament.

Georgia’s Inspirational Euro 2024 Journey

For Georgia, their participation in Euro 2024 was a watershed moment. It marked their debut appearance at a major international tournament as an independent nation, and they far exceeded expectations by advancing to the knockout stages. Despite being the lowest-ranked team in their group, Georgia demonstrated resilience and quality, surprising many observers by progressing to the last 16.

Under the leadership of head coach Willy Sagnol, Georgia’s campaign was highlighted by a dramatic 2-0 win over Portugal, which played a pivotal role in securing their place in the knockout rounds. That victory, combined with a hard-fought draw against another formidable opponent, allowed Georgia to accumulate four points in the group stage, enough to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.

The fairy tale, however, came to an end at the hands of eventual champions Spain. The Spanish team proved too strong, securing a 4-1 victory over Georgia in the Round of 16. Despite the defeat, Georgia’s performance earned them widespread respect, and they left the tournament with their heads held high, having made history by reaching the knockout stages. Now, Georgia's attention shifts to the Nations League, where they will be eager to build on their newfound momentum.

Georgia enters the Nations League with aspirations of further success. Ranked 70th in the world by FIFA, they are a team that has grown in stature over recent years. Their promotion from League C in the 2022-23 edition of the Nations League was a significant achievement, and they did so in impressive fashion. Georgia finished top of their group, which included Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Gibraltar, winning five of their six matches and drawing the other.

This recent success, combined with a solid run of form that has seen them lose just three of their last 11 internationals in all competitions, positions Georgia as a team to watch in this year's Nations League. Two of those three losses came against Spain, underlining their ability to compete against top-tier opponents. Additionally, Georgia’s home form has been particularly strong, with the team losing just once in their last 13 home games dating back to November 2021. This form will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they prepare to face the Czech Republic.

Czech Republic’s Euro 2024 Disappointment

While Georgia enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Euro 2024, the Czech Republic experienced a tournament to forget. Having reached the quarter-finals of the European Championship just three years earlier, expectations were high for Ivan Hasek's side heading into the competition. However, the reality was starkly different as the Czech Republic failed to make it out of the group stage, finishing bottom of their group with just one point from three matches.

That solitary point came in a 1-1 draw against none other than Georgia. In a closely contested encounter, the Czech Republic had to rely on a second-half goal from Patrik Schick to cancel out a first-half penalty from Georgia’s Georges Mikautadze. Despite their best efforts, the Czech team was unable to secure a win, and their tournament was further marred by 2-1 defeats to both Portugal and Turkey.

The early exit from Euro 2024 was a major disappointment for the Czech Republic, especially given the positive start they had made under new head coach Ivan Hasek. Appointed in January 2024, Hasek initially led his team to four consecutive victories in the build-up to the tournament, raising hopes that they could replicate or even surpass their previous success at the Euros. Unfortunately, their failure to perform in key moments left them with an early exit and much to ponder as they look ahead to the Nations League.

Currently ranked 47th in the world by FIFA, the Czech Republic has seen their ranking drop 13 places following their disappointing Euro 2024 campaign. This fall in ranking is reflective of the challenges they have faced over the past few years. The 2022-23 Nations League campaign saw the Czech Republic relegated from League A after a difficult run of results. They managed just one win and one draw in their six matches, finishing behind Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland. The steep competition in League A proved too much for Hasek’s side, and they now find themselves looking to rebuild in League B.

One area of concern for the Czech Republic heading into the Nations League is their form on the road. They have struggled in away matches in recent times, winning just three of their last 13 internationals away from home, excluding matches at Euro 2024. That said, they did record a notable 2-1 victory over Norway in March 2024, suggesting that they are capable of delivering strong performances away from home when it matters most.

Head-to-Head: Georgia vs Czech Republic

This upcoming Nations League fixture between Georgia and the Czech Republic will be the latest chapter in what has been a relatively recent rivalry between the two nations. Their last meeting came at Euro 2024, where the two sides played out a 1-1 draw in the group stage. That result reflected the closely matched nature of the two teams, with both nations showing they are capable of challenging one another.

Historically, the Czech Republic has been considered the stronger footballing nation, having enjoyed success on the European stage in previous years. However, Georgia’s rise in recent times, coupled with their impressive performances at Euro 2024, suggests that they are more than capable of competing with the Czech Republic.

Georgia will likely take heart from their strong home form as they prepare for this fixture. With just one defeat in their last 13 home matches, the Crusaders have turned Mikheil Meskhi Stadium into something of a fortress. They will be hoping to maintain that form and secure a positive result against the Czech Republic.

For the Czech Republic, this match represents an opportunity to bounce back from their disappointing Euro 2024 campaign and begin the Nations League on the right foot. With head coach Ivan Hasek still relatively new to the role, there is a sense that the Czech team is in transition. However, they possess the quality and experience needed to pose a serious challenge to Georgia.

Tactical Battle: Sagnol vs Hasek

The tactical battle between Georgia’s Willy Sagnol and the Czech Republic’s Ivan Hasek will be an intriguing aspect of this match. Sagnol has earned praise for his ability to get the most out of his players, guiding Georgia to an impressive performance at Euro 2024. His focus on solid defensive organization and quick transitions has been key to Georgia’s success, and he will likely look to employ a similar approach in the Nations League.

Hasek, on the other hand, will be looking to re-establish the Czech Republic as a formidable force in European football. His early success with the team suggests that he is capable of doing so, but the challenge will be to ensure that his side can maintain consistency, particularly in matches where they are expected to dominate possession and create chances.

Both managers will be keen to get their Nations League campaigns off to a winning start, and the tactical decisions they make could prove decisive in determining the outcome of this match.

Conclusion: A Battle for Momentum

As Georgia and the Czech Republic prepare to face off in Tbilisi, the stakes are high for both nations. For Georgia, this match represents an opportunity to continue their upward trajectory and build on the momentum they have gained over the past year. A positive result in their opening Nations League fixture would be another step forward for a team that is quickly becoming one of Europe’s most exciting emerging sides.

For the Czech Republic, this match is about redemption. After a disappointing Euro 2024, Ivan Hasek’s team will be determined to make a strong start to their Nations League campaign and begin the process of rebuilding their reputation.