Republic of Ireland v Georgia Football Results

As a former state within the USSR Georgia is a relatively young footballing nation. Interestingly Ireland has already been drawn in the same qualification group on four separate occasions.

It is also an interesting coincidence that three Irish managers have begun their competitive international careers against the Georgians. Brian Kerr, Giovanni Trapattoni and Martin O’Neill had their first competitive matches against the former Soviet republic. The Irish have never lost to Georgia, drawing once and winning eight times,  although some of the victories have been hard-won.

Ireland V Georgia in 2004 Euro Qualifiers

Ireland first met Georgia in the 2004 Euro Championship qualifiers on the 29th March 2003 in Tblisi. The Irish prevailed 2-1 in a very hostile atmosphere with coins, bottles and blades raining down on the Irish players. Kevin Kilbane was hit on the arm with a knife however he was lucky that it was the blunt edge that made contact. Goals from Gary Doherty and Damien Duff were enough to secure a 2-1 win in this initial encounter to give Brian Kerr a winning start to his competitive management career.

In the return match in June another goal from Doherty and one from Irish record goal scorer Robbie Keane gave Ireland a 2-0 winning margin. Unfortunately for Brian Kerr earlier losses against Russia and Switzerland, under Mick McCarthy, had left Ireland with a mountain to climb for qualification for the finals.

Ireland V Georgia in 2010 World Cup Qualifiers

Giovanni Trapattoni’s first competitive match as Republic of Ireland manager was against Georgia in a 2010 World Cup qualifier on . The match was played in Mainz, in Germany, due to the conflict with Russia over the breakaway South Ossetia at the time. This was unfortunate for the Georgians and handed the Irish team a significant advantage. Ireland were more convincing winners than the 1-2 score line suggests.

A Kevin Doyle header in the 13th minute gave the Republic a 0-1 lead. Georgia did have their chances however the result was put beyond doubt when a Glenn Whelan shot from 35 yards out squeezed through the Georgia keepers grasp. A last minute consolation goal by Kenia for Georgia was too little too late.

In the return soccer match against Georgia the Republic got off to the worst possible start by conceding a goal in the first minute of the match. Once the Irish settled down Keith Andrews appeared to have a legitimate goal ruled out for offside in the first half. It took until the 74 minutes on the clock for Ireland to establish parity through a Robbie Keane penalty. The Irish captain came to rescue again as he headed the winning goal in the 79th minute.

Ireland V Georgia in 2016 Euro Qualifiers

Martin O’Neill’s first competitive match as Republic of Ireland manager was in the first Euro 2016 qualifying match of Group D against Georgia. Two goals from Everton’s Aiden McGeady secured victory for the Irish. His first half goal had been cancelled out by a stunning strike from Okriashvili however there was no time for the Georgians to reply to his second effort. A sublime bit of skill by McGeady in the last minute of the match garnered all three points for the Irish.

In the return match in Dublin it was Jeff Hendrick that provided the magic as he took out three Georgian defenders before crossing for Jon Walters to prod the ball home for a 1-0 win.

Republic of Ireland Match Results Against Georgia

Republic of Ireland v Georgia Record Summary

Ireland v Georgia Euro Qualifiers Record

Ireland v Georgia World Cup Qualifiers Record

Ireland v Georgia Friendly Matches Record