De Cuyper and co relinquish 0-2 lead over European Championship reserves

After the scoreless draw against the Netherlands, the Belgians had to come against Georgia. They did, but the host country put down a solid block. Nevertheless, Jacky Mathijssen’s team took the lead on fifteen minutes. De Cuyper, from Knokke-Heist, headed a cross from captain Vranckx past Mamardashvili against the nets. Moments later, ex-Club Brugge player Openda tested the Valencia goalkeeper with a hard and low shot. After first kicking wide in the rebound, Ramazani headed in the 0-2 on a cross from De Cuyper. Just before that, Balikwisha had kicked the ball on the post via Vranckx.

Weak after rest

The Georgians, who surprisingly won 2-0 against Portugal on the first day of play, put up very little against that. It was therefore a downer for the Belgians when substitute Tsitaishvili outwitted Vandevoordt from the half moon with a nice shot seven minutes after the break. Georgia took courage from the tying goal, Vandevoordt kept a cool head in a hot position after a free kick. Azarov was then allowed to lay free, but the Genk goalkeeper made his attempt harmless. On the other side, De Ketelaere kicked into the side net. The substitute Guliashvili punished this miss in the end: 2-2 after a striking header. The Belgians saw themselves slip away from a golden three-pointer.

The match was attended by national coach of the Red Devils Domenico Tedesco and technical director of the union Frank Vercauteren. In the other match in group A, Portugal and the Netherlands drew 1-1. In the standings, Georgia remains in the lead with 4 points. Belgium and the Netherlands count 2 points. Portugal is fourth and last with 1 point. On the third and final match day, the Belgians will face Portugal on Tuesday. With a victory, the young Devils are sure of a place in the next round.