Georgiahas big tradition is water-polo and succeeded many times. But this success was many years ago. That’s why it is not surprising that Georgian team was careful against Greece at qualifying match of European Championship. Greek team was semi-finalist of Olympic Games and World Champion.

As for Georgia, there was not held national championship for 19 years. Last year after repairing “Olympics” sports centre Georgian water-polo team “woke up”. There were full attendance at this match and of course sportsmen responded it relatively.  
The main staff of Georgian Water-Polo team was the following: Zurab Chumburidze, Marco Elica, Yovan Popovich, Marco Kordic, Revaz Chomakhidze, Mikheil Baghaturia, Marco Elez.

Guests made first attack, but their attempt finished without any result. But responsive attack from Georgian side also was without result. Soon Konstantinus Murokis scored a goal, his long-distance kick was exact.  In responsive attack Georgian veteran forward Revaz Chomakhidze kicked, but experienced Greek goalkeeper saved the situation. It is noteworthy that Greek 34-year-old goalkeeper did his best in this match. In spite of rival’s two-point advantage Georgian team managed not only equalize the match, they managed to get advantage. Georgian scored very spectacular goals.   

The first period ended 3:3 and as for the second one, it was very tense for both sides. It is noteworthy that the most distinguished person in the third period was Gervin Rainink, his decision was very doubtful. That’s why Georgian side lost the third period 1:3.
After final whistle Georgian team deserved ovation from Georgian fans. They really deserved it, they showed big resistance against one of the leading team in water-polo and gave big hope to them. 

After the match Irakli Kikalishvili International referee stated the following about referee of this match: I do not like criticizing my colleagues, but tendentiousness of German referee was too much.  In each decisive moment he was making decisions profitably to Greek team. But I will estimate positively Turkish referee”. Soon he leaves for Turkey, he will be referee at qualifying match of European Championship between Turkish and Pole teams.   

Aleksandre Bitadze president of Georgian Water-Polo was satisfied with Georgian National Team and stated that in two years Georgian team will managed to beat Greek one. He distinguished Sandro Baghaturia in this match and showed indignation about German referee.
After finishing qualifying round matches, Greece has two victories and Georgian team one lost and one victory. It is not doubtful that Georgian team will win over British team again but this time in England, as a result to it Georgian team will go through the second stage.

Georgia– Greece8:11 (3:3, 3:4, 1:3, 1:1)

Goals: Murikis(0:1); Milonakis (0:2); Chomakhidze (1:2); Bagaturia(2:2); Kordic (3:2); Elmisian (3:3); Kordic (4:3); Ntoskas(4:4); Ntoskas (4:5), Bagaturia (5:5), Funtulis (5:6); Laitadze (6:6); Delakas (6:7); Elez (7:7); Funtulis (7:8); Ntoskas (7:9); Ntoskas (7:10); Murikis (7:11); Elez (8:11).


Georgian National Water-Polo Team
1. Zurab Chumburidze (“Ligamus”), 2. Galaktion Laitadze (“Tbilisi”), 3. Marco Elacha (“Primorija”, Croatia), 4. Yovan Popovich(“Ligamus”), 5. Marko Kordich (“Ligamus”), 6. Giorgi Khvedeliani (“Lugamus”), 7. Revaz Chomakhidze (“Ligamus”), 8. Mikheil Bagaturia (“Tbilisi”), 9. Zurab Rurua (cap. “Ligamus”), 10. Konstantine Gegelashvili (“Ligamus”), 11. Tato Nikoleishvili (“Ligamus”), 12. Marco Elez (“Breshia”, Italy), 13. Aleksandre Namoradze (“Tbilisi”).
Head coach: Zviad Davitiani.
Coach: Mirian Asatiani.

Greek National Water-Polo Team
1. Karampetson(“Panatinaikos”), 2. Milonavski (“Olympiacos”), 3. Elmisianა(“Vuliagmen”), 4. Miralis (“Panionis”), 5. Delakas (“Olympiacos”), 6. Teodoropulous (“Olympiacos”), 7. Afrodakis (“Olympiacos”), 8. Ntoskas (“Olympiacos”), 9. Murikis (“Panionis”), 10. Funtulis (“Olympiacos”), 11. Alichandis (“Larisa”), 12. Vugarakis (“Vuliagmen”), 13. Protonotarious (“Vuliagmen”).
Head coach: Andris Dragan.
Coach: V.Konstantinos.

Referee: Gervin Raininik(Germany), Chem Filiksach (Turkey)
Delegate of the match:A.Konstantinov(Bulgaria)

Gocha Kacharava