Euro 2024: Georgia stun Portugal to qualify
Georgia 2 - 0 Portugal
Georgia made history by reaching their first major tournament knockout stage with a stunning victory over Portugal at Euro 2024.
Portugal, having already secured the top spot in the group, were shocked early on when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia drilled a low shot past Diogo Costa just two minutes into the match.
The goal came from a swift counter-attack after Georgia overturned possession, setting the tone for the rest of the night.
Georgia didn’t dominate possession but made the most of their chances. Georges Mikautadze scored from the penalty spot in the second half, sealing Georgia's unexpected triumph.
Georgia were happy to let Portugal control the ball, defending resolutely and closing down space to limit Portugal's opportunities. They waited patiently for counter-attacking chances.
While Georgia had few chances, they also prevented Portugal from creating significant threats. The underdogs maintained their shape perfectly, frustrating the Group F winners.
Cristiano Ronaldo lacked the service to make an impact, Portugal's midfield struggled to do more than maintain possession, and Georgia finished their group stage campaign in impressive style.
By beating Portugal, Georgia pulled off the biggest upset in Euros history, based on FIFA rankings, and created a memorable night in their debut major tournament. They will now face Spain in the last 16, while Portugal will play Slovenia.
Organised Georgia managed to complete a huge Euros shock
Georgia averaged the lowest possession of any team in Euro qualifying but still made it to the finals. They lacked possession against Portugal but executed their game plan perfectly.
Kvaratskhelia, who was a star for Napoli in their 2022-23 league-winning season, had struggled in Germany until this match, where he rose to the occasion.
Georgia manager Willy Sagnol instructed Kvaratskhelia and Mikautadze to stay high up the pitch, ready to pounce on any Portuguese mistakes. This strategy paid off early when Mikautadze capitalised on a misplaced pass from Antonio Silva to set up the opening goal.
Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, crucial in their earlier draw with the Czech Republic, had little to do for most of the night as Portugal struggled.
Ronaldo tested Mamardashvili with a long-range free-kick and a deflected effort from close range but was otherwise ineffective. The 39-year-old, hoping to become the oldest scorer at the Euros, kicked the turf in frustration after being substituted in the second half.
For Georgia's young players, however, it was a night to remember. Mikautadze, 23, scored in each of Georgia’s group-stage games. Now, with Kvaratskhelia finding his form, they will look to make more history in their challenging match against Spain.
