In a result that sent shockwaves through Euro 2024, Georgia, the tournament debutants, pulled off a sensational 2-0 victory against Portugal. This stunning win, statistically the biggest upset of the tournament based on FIFA world rankings, secured Georgia’s place in the knockout stages and left Portugal contemplating what went wrong despite already topping Group F.
Georgia, ranked 74th in the world, capitalized on a rotated Portugal side (ranked 6th) with breathtaking efficiency. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the Napoli winger, opened the scoring in the second minute with a clinical finish, while Georges Mikautadze sealed the historic victory with a penalty in the second half.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia celebrates his goal against Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo, eager to become the Euros’ oldest ever scorer at 39, started the match but was unable to find the net. He was substituted in the 66th minute, leaving the pitch with only a yellow card to his name and his quest for a record-breaking goal unfulfilled.
Portugal, despite the loss, will progress to the round of 16 where they will face Slovenia in Frankfurt on Monday evening. The winner of that match will then face a formidable quarter-final clash against either France or Belgium.
Georgia’s remarkable triumph propelled them to third place in Group F, setting up a daunting yet exciting round of 16 encounter against Spain in Cologne on Sunday. Facing the only team in the tournament with a perfect winning record presents a significant challenge, but Georgia, buoyed by this historic win, will believe they can cause another major shock.
Our team of experts analyzes the key talking points from this unforgettable Portugal Vs Georgia Euro 2024 match.
The Meteoric Rise of Georgian Football
Georgia’s journey to Euro 2024 is a testament to their rapid footballing development. Qualifying for their first major tournament by defeating Greece in a playoff penalty shootout in March was already a historic achievement. Having finished fourth in their Euro qualifying group, ahead of only Cyprus, their path to the playoffs was paved through their Nations League Group C4 victory.
Before Euro 2024 commenced, Georgia’s manager Willy Sagnol, in an interview with The Athletic, emphasized their ambition, stating his players were not in Germany for “shopping or tourism.” Their performances in the group stages validated this ambition. Despite a narrow defeat to Turkey in their opening game and a close draw against the Czech Republic, Georgia showcased an attacking brand of football, a stark contrast to the cautious approach of some other teams in the tournament. Their fearless play, characterized by swift counter-attacks and moments of individual brilliance, culminated in this momentous victory against Portugal.
Georgian players celebrate their historic Euro 2024 qualification
The increasing popularity of football in Georgia is underpinned by a strong focus on youth development. Hosting the Under-19 Euros in 2017 and co-hosting the Under-21 Euros in 2023 alongside Romania highlights their commitment to nurturing young talent.
Beyond Kvaratskhelia, Georgia boasts other exceptional players. Giorgi Mamardashvili, Valencia’s highly-rated goalkeeper, has been described by Sagnol as one of Europe’s elite. Georges Mikautadze, the scorer of the crucial penalty against Portugal, is another rising star. Signed by Ajax and subsequently loaned back to Metz, his talent is undeniable.
Sagnol, leveraging his experience playing in major tournaments with France, has instilled a calm and composed approach within the Georgian team, crucial for navigating the high-pressure environment of Euro 2024. “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,” he stated.
By Tom Burrows
Ronaldo’s Night of Frustration Against Georgia
Cristiano Ronaldo’s frustration was palpable throughout the match against Georgia. Despite Portugal having already secured qualification, Ronaldo, at 39, was on the pitch, visibly agitated and ultimately booked for dissent. His evening was marred by a penalty appeal waved away by the referee in the 25th minute, when his shirt was clearly tugged. This decision appeared to fuel his frustration, which simmered until he was substituted in the second half, still searching for his first goal of Euro 2024 after twelve attempts.
As he left the field, Ronaldo exchanged handshakes with Goncalo Ramos, his replacement, and manager Roberto Martinez, but his demeanor remained visibly angry. He vented his frustration on a water bottle, kicking it forcefully before taking his place on the bench, his disappointment evident.
By Oliver Kay
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia: Georgia’s Shining Star
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s performance against Portugal underscored his status as Georgia’s talisman. The Napoli winger, linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, was instrumental in Georgia’s attacking play.
Manager Willy Sagnol revealed that shifting Kvaratskhelia to a more central role two years ago was a tactical decision to maximize his influence. “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 to The Athletic.
Georgian players celebrate their historic Euro 2024 qualification
Kvaratskhelia’s early goal against Portugal showcased his pace and clinical finishing. Put through by Mikautadze, he sprinted clear and slotted a precise left-footed shot past Diogo Costa. He later had another opportunity to extend Georgia’s lead but narrowly missed. His relentless energy, distinctive sock style, and unwavering determination were central to Georgia’s historic victory.
By Tom Burrows
Portugal’s Second String Fails to Impress
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez opted for significant squad rotation for the Georgia match, with only Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Palhinha, and Diogo Costa retaining their places from the 3-0 win over Turkey. Inspired perhaps by Spain’s successful rotation against Albania, Martinez’s gamble did not pay off. While some individuals showed promise, the team as a whole lacked cohesion and sharpness.
A defensive lapse in the second minute, where 20-year-old centre-back Antonio Silva’s hesitation and misplaced pass directly led to Kvaratskhelia’s goal, exemplified Portugal’s struggles. 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, a role that arguably stifled his attacking flair. While he showed glimpses of his ability, it was not an optimal use of his talents.
Despite the defeat, Portugal will not be overly concerned. Having already secured top spot in the group, this match served as an opportunity to assess their squad depth. Joao Felix, despite a mixed season with Barcelona, was a bright spark, linking up effectively with Francisco Conceicao, who impressed with his dribbling and earned several dangerous free kicks.
Conceicao’s performance, along with flashes of brilliance from Neto and Felix, provides Martinez with valuable insights into his fringe players’ capabilities. The prospect of bringing players like Neto, Felix, and Conceicao off the bench in later stages of the tournament remains a potent weapon for Portugal.
By Jay Harris
Giorgi Mamardashvili: Euro 2024’s Standout Goalkeeper?
Giorgi Mamardashvili’s performances at Euro 2024 have been nothing short of exceptional. Prior to the Portugal game, he had conceded four goals from 20 shots on target, with a post-shot expected goals (PSxG) of 7.0, highlighting his outstanding shot-stopping abilities. His saves were effectively preventing goals above expectation.
Against Portugal, Mamardashvili was again superb. He made a spectacular save from Diogo Dalot early in the second half and displayed consistent confidence and competence throughout the match, including a crucial save from a Pedro Neto corner.
Mamardashvili, 23, playing for Valencia, has emerged as a standout goalkeeper in this tournament. His talent was recognized by Valencia after impressing in the Europa League with Locomotive Tbilisi. While already recognized as a top young goalkeeper in Europe, Euro 2024 has provided him with a platform to truly shine on the international stage.
By Oliver Kay
Conclusion: Georgia’s Fairytale Continues, Portugal Re-group
Georgia’s victory over Portugal is undoubtedly one of the most memorable moments of Euro 2024. Their historic qualification and now progression to the knockout stages represent a remarkable achievement for Georgian football. For Portugal, this defeat serves as a reality check, highlighting the importance of squad depth and focus, even when group victory is already secured. As Euro 2024 progresses, Georgia will look to continue their fairytale run, while Portugal will aim to learn from this setback and refocus their efforts on the knockout stages.
(Photo: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
