By T. Jayani, JadeTimes News
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gave Georgia an early lead just two minutes into the match, capitalizing on a defensive error by Portugal. Georges Mikautadze later secured the second goal from the penalty spot in the second half. Competing in their first major tournament, Georgia has captivated fans at Euro 2024 with their fearless, high intensity football.
Georgia's qualities were evident again in Wednesday's well deserved victory, as they comfortably secured their place in the knockout stages as one of the tournament’s four best third place teams.
In other Group F action, Turkey's 2-1 win over the Czech Republic secured them second place behind Portugal. Portugal had already secured their spot in the knockout stages with wins over the Czech Republic and Turkey and aimed to join Spain as the only teams to win all three group games at Euro 2024. Georgia, meanwhile, needed a win to advance to the round of 16.
Despite being the lowest ranked team at Euro 2024, Georgia had shown resilience, narrowly losing to Turkey and drawing with the Czech Republic. Perhaps Portugal's lack of focus, having already qualified, led to the early mistake that gifted Georgia the opening goal. Antonio Silva's poor back pass was intercepted by Mikautadze, who set up Kvaratskhelia for a brilliant finish.
The roar from the Georgian fans at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen was so loud it might have been heard back in Tbilisi. Portugal dominated possession in the first half but was restricted to long range shots by a disciplined Georgian defense. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili thwarted all attempts, including efforts from a frustrated Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix.
Ronaldo's frustration led to a yellow card for dissent after a penalty claim was denied. Despite Portugal's dominance, Georgia almost doubled their lead after 35 minutes, but Giorgi Gvelesiani couldn't connect with his header from a Kvaratskhelia free kick. Kvaratskhelia then missed a chance early in the second half after more poor defending from Portugal.
Georgia eventually secured their second goal after VAR awarded a penalty for a foul on Otar Kiteishvili. Mikautadze calmly converted, sparking wild celebrations among the Georgian fans. This goal made Mikautadze the tournament's top scorer with three goals.
In the second half, Georgia continued to look the more likely to score, maintaining their two goal advantage and posing a constant threat on the counterattack. Portugal's best chance came from Nelson Semedo, but Mamardashvili preserved the clean sheet with another impressive save.
At full time, the Georgian bench erupted in celebration, with players and fans rejoicing as though they had won the entire tournament. Ranked 74th in the world and with a population of less than four million, this was the greatest night in Georgian football history.