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Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili swiftly transformed from villain to hero despite conceding a spot-kick in Georgia's 2-0 loss to Spain on Saturday night.
The 25-year-old featured for his country this week as they attempt to secure qualification for next summer's World Cup. Georgia currently occupies third place in Group E with three points and is scheduled to face Turkey in its next fixture.
Moments after Yeremy Pino broke the deadlock for the hosts, Mamardashvili brought down Ferran Torres inside the penalty area. However, he immediately made amends with a spectacular stop to thwart the Barcelona forward from 12 yards.
The keeper then ensured he celebrated directly in front of Torres in an animated fashion.
Georgia's assistant manager David Webb had previously praised the shot-stopper's attributes, and the player demonstrated exactly those qualities against Spain.
"For us in Georgia, he's a fantastic goalkeeper," he said.
"He's what I would call a big game goalkeeper so, especially in the Euros and games leading up to that and after that, he stepped up in the big moments, produced big saves, and he's vital for our team.
"He's got an outstanding character as well; his work ethic is phenomenal.
"And I think that's a testament to where he is now, and where he potentially could be in the future."
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Despite Mamardashvili's heroics in denying Torres from the penalty spot, Georgia ultimately succumbed to defeat at the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero in Elche.
Georgia has never reached the World Cup finals since joining FIFA in 1992.
Liverpool.com says: Liverpool will need Mamardashvili at his absolute best when he returns from the international break. With Alisson Becker out injured, and the Reds desperate to return to some form, they can't afford their goalkeeper to be giving away penalties, even if he is going to then save them.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Mirror by clicking here.
English (US) ·