Kvaratskhelia Misses Penalty as Georgia Falls to Northern Ireland in Extra Time

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia endured another frustrating evening Friday in Tbilisi: the PSG winger missed a penalty in the 65th minute and failed to register a single other shot on goal, as Northern Ireland claimed victory in Georgia during extra time (0-1) in the Nations League.

The script proved cruel for Willy Sagnol’s side. Kvaratskhelia was denied by the opposing goalkeeper from the penalty spot, then saw Shea Charles, Fulham midfielder, emerge in the 90th+9 minute on a cross from Trai Hume to secure Northern Ireland’s first win in the competition. Giorgi Mamardashvili was powerless to prevent it. Georges Mikautadze, more active in attack, could not turn the tide.

This setback in international football extends a disappointing start to the season for the Georgian winger. Named best player of last season’s Champions League after leading PSG to the title, Kvaratskhelia has scored no goals in five Ligue 1 matches. His only goal across all competitions dates back to the UEFA Super Cup against Aston Villa on August 12. He was also left on the bench during the Champions League trip to Slovan Bratislava (6-1), contributing only an assist in the loss to Monaco (1-2).

The contrast with his previous season is stark. Absent from the 2026 World Cup, the 23-year-old has slipped off the Ballon d’Or radar and must now rediscover his sharpness before the slump becomes entrenched.

Georgia will host Ukraine in four days, again in Tbilisi, in an attempt to revive their Nations League campaign. Northern Ireland will welcome Hungary.