Gelsenkirchen, June 27 (UNI) Georgia produced one of the most stunning results in European Championship history, defeating Portugal 2-0 to qualify for the knockout stages of Euro 2024.
In a historic victory, the eastern European nation, with a population of just four million and participating in a major tournament for the first time, secured their biggest win ever.
Goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze in each half ensured a third-place finish in Group F, propelling them to the last 16 where they will face Spain. Meanwhile, Portugal, despite the loss, still finished as Group F winners and will play against Slovenia in the next round.
Roberto Martinez, Portugal’s boss, had made eight changes to his starting XI, having already secured qualification with wins in their opening two games. However, this decision proved costly as Georgia, ranked 74th in the world, took the lead just 93 seconds into the match.
Benfica defender Antonio Silva's errant pass found Mikautadze, who advanced and set up Kvaratskhelia to finish with a precise shot into the bottom corner. Despite Portugal dominating possession and creating numerous chances, including a swerving kick by Cristiano Ronaldo saved by Giorgi Mamardashvili and a curling effort by Joao Felix that narrowly missed, Georgia's defense remained impenetrable.
Early in the second half, Ronaldo’s close-range shot was deflected, but Georgia’s defensive resolve was exemplary. The pivotal moment came before the hour mark when Luka Lochoshvili was brought down by Silva’s reckless challenge in the box.
Initially, referee Sandro Scharer waved play on, allowing Portugal to counter and nearly score, but VAR intervened, and a penalty was awarded. Mikautadze calmly converted, giving Georgia a crucial two-goal cushion.
Under the guidance of former France international Willy Sagnol, Georgia held firm for the remaining 20 minutes. They even looked more likely to score again, with Mikautadze missing a chance on the counter-attack and Zuriko Davitashvili hitting the side-netting.
Despite a nervy stoppage-time period where Portugal pressed hard, Georgia's defense stood strong, securing a monumental victory with 68 places separating the two nations in the world rankings.
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