Giorgi Mamardashvili goes from zero to hero as Liverpool star saves Spain penalty

Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili quickly went from zero to hero after conceding a penalty in Georgia's 2-0 defeat to Spain on Saturday evening.

The 25-year-old was in action for his national team this week, as they bid to qualify for next summer's World Cup. Georgia sit third in Group E on three points and are set to face Turkey next week.

Shortly after Yeremy Pino opened the scoring for the hosts, Mamardashvili fouled Ferran Torres in his own box. He quickly redeemed himself, though, with a stunning save to deny the Barcelona star from the penalty spot.

The goalkeeper then made sure to celebrate right in front of Torres in a passionate way.

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Georgia assistant coach David Webb previously hailed the shot-stopper's qualities, and the player lived up to that praise 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."

Although Mamardashvili made amends by saving Torres' penalty, Georgia went on to lose at the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero in Elche.

Georgia have never qualified for the World Cup since becoming a FIFA member in 1992.

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