Georgia has advanced to the last 16 of Euro 2024 after a 2-0 victory over Portugal on Wednesday. This historic win marks the former Soviet Republic’s first appearance at a major international tournament.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia opened the scoring with a precise finish just two minutes into the game in Gelsenkirchen, and Georges Mikautadze secured the win with a 57th-minute penalty. This victory is Georgia’s greatest football achievement to date.
Following the final whistle, Georgia’s players celebrated with their fans, who were ecstatic over the team’s performance. This match handed Portugal their first defeat since the 2022 World Cup and rewarded Georgia for their spirited play throughout the tournament.
Under the guidance of coach Willy Sagnol, Georgia qualified from Group F as one of the four best third-placed teams. They now face a challenging match against Spain, who won all their group games, on Sunday.
“We just made history. Nobody would have believed that we would have made it happen by beating Portugal, but this is why we are a strong team,” Kvaratskhelia told reporters. “If there is even one percent chance you can make it happen if you believe.”
Portugal had already secured their place in the next round as group winners. Coach Roberto Martinez made eight changes from the team that defeated Turkey last weekend to guarantee first place. Despite being dominant for much of the match, Portugal struggled to equalize. Antonio Silva’s mistake led to Georgia’s first goal, and he was later penalized for light contact with Luka Lochoshvili, resulting in the decisive penalty.
“We didn’t underestimate Georgia, but it is true that they were playing the biggest game in their history,” Martinez said. “We were playing the last game when we were already top of our group, and it was difficult for us to match their intensity.”
He added, “We conceded an early goal, which is what Georgia wanted and needed. After that, we didn’t have the clarity or a good enough final ball to get in on goal, and their goalkeeper played very well. We couldn’t get a goal, which gave Georgia extra strength and belief, and they deserved the victory.”
Portugal will face Slovenia on Monday, with Martinez likely to have a mostly rested first XI available.
History Makers
Kvaratskhelia benefited from Silva’s error, which allowed Mikautadze to set him up for the first goal. Mikautadze, who had scored in both of Georgia’s previous matches against Turkey and the Czech Republic, provided a perfectly-weighted pass to Kvaratskhelia, who scored from the inside-right channel with a precise finish.
Georgia, known for their struggles with clinical finishing, capitalized on their chances in this match. Sagnol’s team then focused on defending their lead as Portugal launched numerous attacks against their packed defense.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s free-kick in the 17th minute was saved by Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, and he was booked for dissent just before the half-hour mark after a challenge from Lochoshvili. Francisco Conceicao hit the side netting, and Joao Felix’s long-range shot went just wide.
Ronaldo’s frustrations continued early in the second half when Lasha Dvali accidentally blocked his goal-bound effort. Kvaratskhelia missed an opportunity to double Georgia’s lead before Mikautadze scored his third goal in as many games from the penalty spot.
Georgia then defended resolutely, making occasional dangerous forays into Portugal’s defensive third, ultimately securing the victory to the delight of their supporters.
