In a stunning turn of events at Euro 2024, Georgia, ranked 74th in the FIFA world rankings, achieved a monumental 2-0 victory against Portugal, the sixth-ranked team. This remarkable win secured Georgia’s place in the knockout stages in their first-ever major tournament appearance, marking one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far.
Georgia capitalized on Portugal’s decision to rotate their squad, as Portugal had already secured the top spot in Group F. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the highly-rated Georgian winger, opened the scoring in the second minute, setting the tone for an electrifying match. Georges Mikautadze then sealed the victory with a penalty in the second half, sending shockwaves through the tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo, despite starting the game, was unable to add to his Euro goals tally and was substituted in the 66th minute after receiving a yellow card. His quest to become the oldest player to score at the Euros continues.
Portugal, despite the loss, will proceed to the round of 16 where they are set to face Slovenia in Frankfurt. The winner of this match will then face a formidable opponent in the quarter-finals, either France or Belgium.
Georgia’s unexpected triumph means they finished third in Group F, earning a coveted spot in the knockout stage. Their reward is a challenging match against Spain in Cologne. Facing the only team in the competition with a perfect win record, Georgia will need to replicate their stunning performance against Portugal to cause another major upset.
Here’s a deeper analysis of the key factors that contributed to Georgia’s historic win and Portugal’s unexpected defeat.
Georgia’s Ascent in European Football
Georgia’s journey to Euro 2024 is a testament to their growing football prowess. Qualifying for their first major tournament via the Nations League playoffs, after finishing fourth in their Euro qualifying group, already marked a significant achievement. Their playoff victory against Greece in March, secured through a penalty shootout, ignited national pride and set the stage for their Euro debut.
Prior to the tournament, Georgia’s manager Willy Sagnol emphasized their ambition, stating they were not in Germany for a mere sightseeing trip. This ambition was evident in their group stage performances. They showcased an attacking brand of football, a stark contrast to more defensive approaches seen in the tournament.
Their opening match against Turkey was a high-scoring thriller, and they narrowly missed a win against the Czech Republic before their decisive victory over Portugal. Georgia’s gameplay combines defensive resilience with swift counter-attacks and moments of individual brilliance.
The rising popularity of football in Georgia is supported by a focus on youth development. Hosting the Under-19 Euros in 2017 and co-hosting the Under-21 Euros in 2023 with Romania highlights their investment in nurturing young talent.
Beyond Kvaratskhelia, goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and forward Georges Mikautadze have been instrumental in Georgia’s success. Mamardashvili, praised by Sagnol as one of Europe’s top goalkeepers, and Mikautadze, who showcased his scoring ability, represent the depth of talent within the Georgian squad. Sagnol’s experience playing in major tournaments with France has also been crucial in guiding this Georgian team.
“I usually try to stay calm even when it gets stressful. I think that’s important in Georgia when there are a lot of emotions,” Sagnol noted, highlighting his role in managing the team’s emotions during high-pressure situations.
Ronaldo’s Frustration and Portugal’s Rotated Squad
Cristiano Ronaldo’s visible frustration during the match underscored Portugal’s unexpected struggles. With Portugal already qualified for the knockout stages, coach Roberto Martinez opted to rest several key players. However, Ronaldo, despite his 39 years, was on the pitch, seemingly eager to contribute and chase records.
Despite his efforts, Ronaldo endured a frustrating evening. Denied a penalty in the 25th minute after a shirt pull, his frustration grew, culminating in a yellow card for dissent and visible anger towards the fourth official upon being substituted. In his three Euro 2024 appearances, Ronaldo has yet to score despite numerous attempts.
Cristiano Ronaldo frustration against Georgia at Euro 2024 group stage match.
Upon leaving the field, Ronaldo exchanged handshakes with his replacement, Goncalo Ramos, and coach Martinez, but his demeanor remained visibly agitated. His frustration was further expressed as he kicked a water bottle before taking his place on the bench.
Oliver Kay noted the unusual situation, “There must have been times when Cristiano Ronaldo wondered what he was doing out there. Portugal were already through to the knockout stage, and most of his team-mates were given the night off… but there he was, aged 39, getting wound up…”
The decision to rotate the squad, while understandable, seemed to disrupt Portugal’s rhythm and cohesion, contributing to their unexpected defeat.
Kvaratskhelia’s Brilliance and Georgia’s Tactical Shift
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s performance was central to Georgia’s victory. His early goal and overall influence on the game highlighted his status as Georgia’s talisman. Linked with top European clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Kvaratskhelia’s talent was on full display.
Sagnol revealed the tactical adjustment made two years prior to position Kvaratskhelia more centrally. “For me, it was key to have this kind of player in the most important part of the pitch because I don’t have a lot of players like him,” Sagnol explained. This tactical shift aimed to maximize Kvaratskhelia’s involvement and impact on the game.
His goal against Portugal exemplified his qualities – pace, skill, and a clinical finish. Put through by Mikautadze, Kvaratskhelia’s composed left-footed strike demonstrated his world-class potential. His tireless work rate and leadership on the pitch inspired his teammates and played a crucial role in securing the historic win.
Tom Burrows described Kvaratskhelia’s impact: “Kvaratskhelia’s tireless running, scampering around with his socks rolled down, and never-say-die attitude helped inspire his side to their greatest-ever victory.”
Portugal’s Second String and Depth Concerns
Portugal’s starting lineup against Georgia featured only three players from their previous match against Turkey, indicating a significant squad rotation. While Spain’s successful rotation strategy inspired Martinez, Portugal’s gamble did not pay off. Apart from a few individual performances, the team lacked overall cohesion.
A critical moment was Antonio Silva’s error in the second minute, where his hesitation and misplaced pass directly led to Kvaratskhelia’s opening goal. Silva later conceded a penalty, compounding a difficult night for the young defender. Pedro Neto, typically a dynamic winger for Wolverhampton Wanderers, was deployed as a left wing-back, limiting his attacking threat.
Georgia players celebrating their historic win against Portugal at Euro 2024.
Despite the loss, Portugal can find positives in the performances of players like Joao Felix and Francisco Conceicao. Felix showed flashes of brilliance, while Conceicao’s dribbling and ability to win free kicks posed problems for Georgia’s defense. Martinez now has a clearer picture of which fringe players can contribute effectively in the knockout stages.
Jay Harris noted the potential impact of Portugal’s depth, “Watching Neto, Felix and Conceicao come off the bench will be a frightening prospect for every team.” This game served as a valuable assessment of Portugal’s squad depth as they move into the crucial knockout rounds.
Mamardashvili: Goalkeeper of the Tournament Contender
Giorgi Mamardashvili’s goalkeeping performance throughout Euro 2024 has been exceptional, and the match against Portugal further solidified his reputation. Prior to this game, he had conceded four goals from 20 shots on target, while statistically he should have conceded around seven based on post-shot expected goals (PSxG).
Against Portugal, Mamardashvili was again outstanding. His spectacular save from Diogo Dalot in the second half and his confident presence throughout the match were crucial in keeping Portugal at bay. His agility to prevent a corner from creeping in just before halftime demonstrated his alertness and skill.
Oliver Kay highlighted Mamardashvili’s impact: “He was excellent once more against Portugal… there was a spectacular save from Diogo Dalot… and, more generally, there was an air of confidence and competence in everything he did.”
Mamardashvili’s performances at Euro 2024 have elevated him into the conversation for goalkeeper of the tournament. Despite playing for Valencia, and previously in the Europa League with Locomotive Tbilisi, Euro 2024 is showcasing his talent on a major international stage.
Conclusion: Georgia’s Fairy Tale Continues, Portugal Re-Groups
Georgia’s victory over Portugal is more than just a win; it’s a historic milestone in their footballing journey. Their blend of tactical discipline, individual brilliance, and unwavering spirit allowed them to overcome a heavily favored Portugal side. As they advance to face Spain, Georgia carries the momentum of this remarkable upset and the belief that they can continue their fairy tale run.
For Portugal, this defeat serves as a reality check. While squad rotation was intended to preserve players for the knockout stages, it exposed vulnerabilities and a lack of cohesion within the team. However, with their place in the round of 16 secured, Portugal has an opportunity to learn from this setback, regroup, and refocus their efforts as they aim for Euro 2024 glory. The depth of their squad, highlighted by players like Felix and Conceicao, remains a significant asset as they navigate the knockout rounds.
(Photo: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
