Georgia boss looking for Aviva miracle

Gareth Danaher reports from the Aviva Stadium

Georgia manager Vladimir Weiss knows the difficulty that faces his team if they are to qualify for EURO 2020.

Having lost their opener last week, they face a Republic of Ireland side desperate for three points themselves on Tuesday to keep their Euro 2020 qualification on track after the scrappy win in Gibraltar.

Georgia lost their opening Group D game 2-0 against Switzerland at home on Saturday night and if they get a result like that tomorrow night, it would leave effectively out of the race for the European Championship finals.

“We have a chance next year to do something spectacular for Georgian football,” said Weiss speaking about EURO 2020 qualification when he met with the media in the Aviva Stadium on the eve of the qualifier.

“We must focus on this game at the moment. Two teams will go through and we will try to do it also in the group, which would be something unbelievable.

“It’s not easy. The favourite in Group D is of course Switzerland, then Ireland and Denmark, and us and Gibraltar but we will try to do it.

“Sometimes in life, miracles happen, but tomorrow this game will show what our chances in the group will be for the next games.”

extratime.ie asked how he will be asking his team to start the game.

“We will try to play with a clear head and focus very well. We know how dangerous Ireland are from set pieces so we will try and defend at best. We will also look to show spirit on the pitch as we will look to attack but every game is not easy.”

Ireland will have new boss Mick McCarthy on the touchline and that will see Weiss with a new challenge as he previously locked horns with old Ireland boss Martin O’Neill, a manager he very much admires it seems.

Weiss commented: “A new coach every time brings something new to the team and new spirit, but I won’t speak about it because Martin O’Neill was my good friend and he did an amazing job for the national team. 

“He’s a lovely guy. I love him so much and I wish him all the best at his club.”

McCarthy says balls to any Aviva protest https://t.co/VLzvy8VOzcpic.twitter.com/59ATkJpfc1

— Extratime.ie (@ExtratimeNews) March 25, 2019