Georgia Clinches Semi-Final Spot with 2-1 Win Over Malta

On a day when one slip meant going home, Georgia kept their balance on the sand and claimed the final semi-final place, edging Malta 2-1 in a tense, tactical contest that never really loosened its grip.

By the end of the group stage, the numbers were simple. Win, and Georgia were in. Anything less, and the door opened for others. They chose the direct route.

Georgia 2–1 Malta: Kurdadze and Lomidze deliver

The opening period was a chess match. Both sides sat in disciplined blocks, lines tight, distances short, neither willing to over-commit and leave space for the counter. Chances were scarce, the tempo cautious. It felt like a game waiting for someone brave enough to break its pattern.

Georgia found that courage in the second period.

The pressure began to mount as they pushed higher, recycled possession and forced Malta deeper. The breakthrough came when Kurdadze finally pierced the stalemate, striking to give Georgia the lead and release a surge of belief on their bench.

Malta wobbled. Georgia sensed it.

Before the frame was out, Lomidze stepped up to double the advantage, nudging them into a 2-0 lead and, crucially, into control of the tie. With that cushion, Georgia could manage the rhythm and force Malta to chase.

The final period brought the response Malta had been threatening. Bray clawed one back, igniting a late surge. Georgia were suddenly under real pressure, forced into last-ditch blocks and hurried clearances as Malta threw numbers forward in search of an equaliser.

But the Georgian back line held. They absorbed the storm, protected their slender lead and saw out the 2-1 win that sealed their place in the last four, where Latvia now await.

Slovakia 4–3 England (aet): Hrnčiar settles a thriller

If Georgia’s win was about control, Slovakia’s 4-3 extra-time victory over England was pure chaos.

England struck first in the opening period through Hulme, an early goal that might have settled some teams. Slovakia reacted instead. Turoň levelled, Šmálik turned the scoreline on its head, and by the first break Slovakia were 2-1 up and brimming with confidence.

The second period refused to calm down. An England own goal stretched Slovakia’s lead to 3-1, only for Robinson to drag his side back into it and keep the deficit at one by the end of the frame. Every mistake looked costly, every attack dangerous.

England refused to fold. In the third period, Friery found the equaliser to make it 3-3 and force extra time, a reward for their persistence and a warning to Slovakia that the job was far from done.

Extra time demanded a hero. Hrnčiar stepped forward.

His decisive strike broke the deadlock and finally killed off England’s resistance, sealing a 4-3 win and sending Slovakia into the playoffs for 5th–7th place with renewed momentum, while England face the same bracket with a sense of what might have been.

Latvia 3–2 Azerbaijan: Sakne’s cushion proves enough

Latvia’s 3-2 victory over Azerbaijan was built in layers.

They took control early in the first period when Grīslis broke through to give them a 1-0 lead at the first break. It was a narrow margin, but Latvia carried the initiative and looked the more assured side on the sand.

The second period opened up. Orkhan hit back for Azerbaijan, levelling the match and shifting the mood. Latvia responded sharply. Ģēgers restored their advantage, making it 2-1 and ensuring they went into the final period with the upper hand.

Then came what proved the key moment. In the third frame, Sakne struck to push Latvia 3-1 ahead, a goal that gave them the breathing space they needed. Azerbaijan refused to go quietly. Orkhan scored again to complete his brace and drag the score back to 3-2, setting up a tense finish.

Latvia tightened up, dropped a little deeper and trusted their structure. The defence did its job, closing out the win and confirming a semi-final showdown with Georgia.

What comes next

With the dust settled, the path is clear.

Norway meet Azerbaijan in one semi-final. Latvia face Georgia in the other. Slovakia and England drop into the 5th–7th place playoffs, where they will try to salvage pride and ranking.

Georgia have already passed one nerve test. The next comes against a Latvian side that looks increasingly comfortable with pressure of its own.