Euro 2024: Mikautadze emulates Shevchenko’s 2012 feat with goal against Czechia

Georges Mikautadze scored for Georgia in their 1-1 draw with Czechia at Euro 2024 on Saturday, making history for the Crusaders. 

Willy Sagnol’s men went into the game in Hamburg keen to avoid losing to leave them on the brink of elimination, and they looked to be heading to their first-ever victory at the finals after Mikautadze’s late first-half penalty. 

Czechia levelled for Ivan Hasek's men just before the hour to leave both teams on a point heading into their final games in Group F, meaning qualification remains possible. 

Mikautadze’s goal saw him become the first player since Wales' Gareth Bale (Euro 2016) to score in his country’s first two matches at the Euros, and he became the sixth man to score goals one and two for his nation at the finals and the first since Andriy Shevchenko, who notched two for Ukraine against Sweden at Euro 2012. 

While Mikautadze’s strike against Turkiye could not secure a point or three, Saturday's penalty helped to claim the Crusaders' first point in Euros history. 

Georgia face a daunting final group-stage fixture against Portugal seeking maximum points to advance to the round of 16 in their maiden Euros appearance.