In a stunning display of skill and tenacity, Georgia’s national football team achieved a historic 2-0 win over Portugal in Euro 2024, propelling them into the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time. The Georgian team, led by coach Willy Sagnol, showcased their determination and teamwork, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scoring the opening goal within the first two minutes and Georges Mikautadze securing the win with a penalty in the second half. Despite Portugal’s control of the ball, Georgia’s defense remained impenetrable, with Giorgi Mamardashvili making crucial saves to deny the Portuguese team any comeback.Georgia’s remarkable journey to the last 16 has been a testament to their resilience and strategic play. Portugal, having already topped Group F, rested key players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva, which may have contributed to their lackluster performance. Georgia now looks ahead to a challenging encounter with Spain, while Portugal sets its sights on Slovenia. This victory marks the greatest achievement for Georgian football since the country’s independence and has ignited the passions of fans and players alike, with Kvaratskhelia expressing pride in their ability to fight against any team.
Key points
- Georgia defeated Portugal 2-0, advancing to the knockout stages of Euro 2024 for the first time.
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze scored the goals for Georgia.
- Georgia’s defense, including goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, played a key role in the victory.
- Portugal had already secured the top spot in Group F and will face Slovenia next.
