Georgia disappointment after Turkey loss speaks volumes: Sagnol

Coach Willy Sagnol said the sense of disappointment in his Georgia squad after their opening loss to Turkey at Euro 2024 demonstrated how far the country's team had come.

Georgia lost 3-1 to Turkey in their first appearance at a major tournament, pushing their opponents all the way before conceding a goal in stoppage time while the goalkeeper was up for a corner.

They will attempt to bounce back on Saturday against the Czech Republic, who are also chasing their first points in Group F after an agonising 2-1 defeat by Portugal.

"Of course we are a bit disappointed, but I think to be disappointed for Georgia in a European Championship... I think we can say we have made a major step forward," Sagnol said on Friday.

"A coach and players don't always focus on the result, because if you only focus on the result you will always do mistakes.

"We can win sometimes (without) deserving the win and sometimes you lose but don't deserve it."

A defeat for either Georgia or the Czech Republic in Hamburg could see the losing side eliminated with a match to spare.

The Czechs are featuring at their eighth successive Euros and have reached the quarterfinals in two of the past three editions.

"They know and we know that we cannot lose, but I don't think it's going to be that wild of a game," said Czech coach Ivan Hasek.