Georgia caused a major upset in Euro 2024 by defeating Portugal 2-0 to secure a spot in the round of 16. The match saw Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scoring within two minutes after a defensive error by Portugal, followed by Georges Mikautadze converting a penalty in the second half.
Competing in its first major tournament, Georgia has impressed fans with its fearless and high-intensity style of play. The team's remarkable performance in Wednesday's match earned them a well-deserved victory, advancing to the knockout stages as one of the top four third-place teams.
Meanwhile, Turkey's 2-1 win against Czech Republic secured their second-place finish in Group F, trailing behind Portugal.
Despite Portugal's earlier wins in the tournament, Georgia needed a victory to progress. The underdog team, ranked 74th in the world, had already shown its competitiveness by narrowly losing to Turkey and drawing with Czech Republic.
Portugal, already qualified for the knockout stages, seemed to lack focus, leading to an early goal for Georgia. An error in defense allowed Kvaratskhelia to capitalize on the opportunity and put Georgia in the lead.
Throughout the match, Portugal dominated possession but struggled to break through Georgia's solid defense. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili made crucial saves, frustrating Portugal's star players like Ronaldo and João Félix.
Despite missed opportunities, Georgia managed to extend its lead with Mikautadze's penalty goal, securing a historic victory. The team's resilience and threat on the counterattack kept Portugal at bay, with Mamardashvili's exceptional performance ensuring a clean sheet.
As the final whistle blew, Georgia celebrated its remarkable achievement, marking a historic night for the nation's football history. With less than four million people, Georgia's triumph over Portugal stands as a testament to the team's determination and skill in Euro 2024.
