Georgia made history in their debut major tournament appearance at Euro 2024, securing a place in the last 16 with a stunning 2-0 victory over Portugal on Wednesday. This remarkable win is considered the biggest upset by FIFA rankings in European Championship history, sending shockwaves through the competition.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s early goal set the tone for Georgia’s ambition, while a penalty from Georges Mikautadze sealed the victory against an already-qualified Portugal side. Georgia, ranked 74th globally, triumphed over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, who are sixth in the FIFA rankings and were crowned European champions in 2016. This victory surpasses Slovakia’s (48th) win against Belgium (third) earlier in the tournament as the most significant upset based on FIFA rankings at the Euros.
This monumental win, achieved against a Portugal team featuring several reserve players but still boasting significant talent, marks Georgia’s greatest footballing achievement since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Image: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia celebrates scoring the opening goal for Georgia against Portugal, propelling his team towards a historic Euro 2024 knockout stage qualification.
Georgia’s journey to Euro 2024 was far from straightforward. After finishing a disappointing fourth in their Euro qualifying group, they navigated a more challenging path through the UEFA Nations League, ultimately winning their group and then overcoming Greece in a tense playoff.
However, under the guidance of coach Willy Sagnol, former Bayern Munich and France defender, Georgia displayed an undeniable spirit and tactical prowess. Their third-place finish in Group F has earned them a coveted spot in the round of 16, where they are set to face three-time Euro champions, Spain. Notably, when Spain and Georgia clashed in Tbilisi during the Euro 2024 qualifying stages in September, Spain dominated with a 7-1 victory.
“When you are the small team of the competition, you know you have nothing to lose, you have no weight on your shoulders,” Sagnol commented to reporters, highlighting the underdog mentality that fueled his team’s success. “Today I don’t have a lot of words. I feel very proud to be their manager.”
Georgia’s victory has also reshaped the landscape of the Euro 2024 knockout stage. As a result of this match and other Group F outcomes, England is now scheduled to play Slovakia, Romania will face the Netherlands, and Portugal will take on Slovenia in the round of 16. Hungary, who were hoping for a place in the next round, were ultimately eliminated.
In the other Group F match played on Wednesday, Turkey secured their progression to the round of 16 with a 2-1 win against Czechia, who were reduced to ten men and subsequently exited the tournament.
Georgia, the tournament debutants, made a sensational start against Portugal, taking the lead in just the second minute. Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia capitalized on a misplaced pass by António Silva, surging forward and firing a precise low shot past Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
“We can fight against everyone,” Kvaratskhelia stated confidently after the match. “I’m so proud.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of only three Portugal starters who also played in their previous 3-0 victory over Turkey, was determined to become the oldest goalscorer in Euro tournament history at 39 years old. He relentlessly pursued every ball, but Georgia’s defense proved impenetrable, focusing on counter-attacking opportunities.
In the 53rd minute, António Silva compounded his earlier error by conceding a penalty after a VAR review confirmed a foul in the box. Georges Mikautadze, who had earlier provided the assist for Kvaratskhelia’s opening goal, calmly converted the penalty, becoming the leading scorer at Euro 2024 with three goals.
Ronaldo’s frustration grew throughout the match, earning him a yellow card for dissent in the first half. He displayed visible disappointment when substituted after halftime, kicking a water bottle in frustration. This match marked the first time in Ronaldo’s illustrious career that he has failed to score in the group stage of a major international tournament.
Georgia’s goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili delivered crucial late saves, denying Portugal any chance of a comeback. At the final whistle, the Georgian squad and coaching staff erupted in joyous celebrations, sprinting onto the pitch to celebrate their historic achievement with their ecstatic fans.
These celebrations were richly deserved. Despite narrowly losing 3-1 to Turkey in their opening match and drawing 1-1 with Czechia after missing key opportunities, Georgia’s resilience and determination culminated in this momentous victory against Portugal, securing their unexpected but well-earned place in the Euro 2024 knockout stage.
Information from Reuters, The Associated Press and ESPN Stats & Information contributed to this report.
