- Georgia reached the knockout stage of a major tournament for the first time by defeating Portugal at Euro 2024.
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored in the second minute, setting the tone for the match. A second-half penalty boosted Georgia to a 2-0 lead.
- Portugal dominated possession but Georgia maintained a strong defence, limiting their chances and frustrating the Group F winners.
- Georgia will play Spain in the last 16, while Portugal will face Slovenia.
Euro 2024: Georgia shock Portugal to reach first knockouts
In a stunning turn of events, Georgia secured their place in the knockout stage of a major tournament for the first time by defeating Portugal at Euro 2024.
Despite Portugal having already won their group, they were caught off guard just two minutes into their final group stage game. Georgia’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia capitalised on a counter-attack, driving a low shot past goalkeeper Diogo Costa to set the tone for the rest of the match.
Georgia, the underdogs, didn’t dominate possession but made their opportunities count. They doubled their lead in the second half when Georges Mikautadze successfully converted a penalty, cementing Georgia’s unexpected triumph.
Throughout the game, Georgia allowed Portugal to control possession but maintained a solid defence, closing down spaces and limiting Portugal’s chances. Their disciplined approach frustrated the Group F winners, who struggled to find a way through.
Cristiano Ronaldo, starved of quality service, couldn’t make a significant impact, while Portugal’s midfielders were unable to turn their possession into meaningful opportunities. As a result, Georgia finished the group stage on a high note, pulling off what is considered the biggest upset in Euros history based on FIFA rankings.
With this historic victory, Georgia will now face Spain in the last 16. Meanwhile, Portugal will go up against Slovenia in the next round.
Georgia’s win also means England will face Slovakia in the Round of 16 instead of the Netherlands – on paper a less challenging opposition – but it’s the Euros and no team should be underestimated.