Georgia advanced to the last 16 of Euro 2024 following a 2-0 victory over Portugal on Wednesday, marking a historic achievement in the former Soviet republic's first appearance at a major international tournament.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored early with less than two minutes on the clock in Gelsenkirchen, and Georges Mikautadze's 57th-minute penalty secured Georgia's greatest football triumph. This win brought a first defeat to Portugal since the 2022 World Cup.
Georgia's players celebrated extensively with their fans after the final whistle, having earned their place in the knockout stage. The team, coached by Willy Sagnol, qualified from Group F as one of the four best third-placed finishers and will face 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, already qualified for the next round as group winners, saw coach Roberto Martinez make eight changes from the team that defeated Turkey to secure first place last weekend. Despite dominating most of the match, Portugal struggled to equalize. Antonio Silva, responsible for a mistake leading to the first goal, was penalized for a 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. Then 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."
Despite the loss, Portugal will face Slovenia on Monday with a mostly rested first XI, barring any injuries.
Match Highlights
Kvaratskhelia capitalized on Silva's error to open the scoring. Mikautadze, who had scored in both of Georgia's previous matches against Turkey and the Czech Republic, provided the assist. Kvaratskhelia finished clinically from the inside-right channel.
Georgia, having learned from missed opportunities in earlier matches, defended their lead as Portugal launched continuous attacks against their packed defense. Notable moments included Ronaldo's free-kick being saved by Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili in the 17th minute and Ronaldo being booked for dissent just before the half-hour mark.
Francisco Conceicao hit the side netting while Ronaldo protested a perceived foul from Lochoshvili. Joao Felix also came close with a long-range shot just wide. Ronaldo's frustration peaked early in the second half when his shot from a corner was inadvertently blocked by Lasha Dvali.
Kvaratskhelia missed a chance to double the lead before Mikautadze converted a penalty, his third goal in as many games. Georgia then made occasional, yet dangerous, advances into Portugal's defensive third, securing the win to the delight of their supporters.
