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In a stunning turn of events at the Veltins-Arena, Georgia defeated Portugal 2-0 in their final Group F match of Euro 2024. This victory not only secured Georgia's place in the Round of 16 but also marked a historic moment as they advanced to the knockout stages in their first major international tournament. Here are the highlights and key moments from the match.
The match kicked off with an electrifying start as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored within the first two minutes, making it the fifth fastest goal in Euro history. A loose pass by Portugal’s Antonio Silva was intercepted by Georges Mikautadze, who then set up Kvaratskhelia for a clinical finish, giving Georgia an early 1-0 lead.
Despite Portugal dominating possession, they struggled to break through Georgia’s solid defense. In the 17th minute, Cristiano Ronaldo nearly equalized with a powerful free-kick, but Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili made an excellent save. Portugal continued to press, with Ronaldo and Joao Felix creating several chances, but they were unable to convert.
HISTORY MADE BY GEORGIA! 🇬🇪📝
— Perspective Football Indonesia (@persfootballid) June 26, 2024
Georgia lolos ke babak 16 besar Piala Eropa untuk pertama kalinya setelah menumbang jawara 2016, Portugal 2-0! 😂
Georgia lolos lewat jalur tiga terbaik, Hungaria dipastikan gagal ke 16 besar! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/dyG32NmFAT
The second half began with renewed vigor from Portugal. However, their efforts were thwarted by a resilient Georgian defense. In the 47th minute, Ronaldo missed a golden opportunity to score, as his shot was blocked and deflected out for a corner.
In the 53rd minute, Georgia was awarded a penalty after a VAR review determined that Antonio Silva had fouled Saba Lobjanidze inside the box. Mikautadze stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, extending Georgia’s lead to 2-0.
One of the most surprising moments came in the 65th minute when Ronaldo was substituted off for Goncalo Ramos. This decision by Portugal’s coach was met with mixed reactions and marked a significant turning point in the match.
Incredible footage of Georgian capital Tbilisi at the moment the national team went 2-0 up vs. Portugal. ❤️🔥
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) June 26, 2024
On their major-tournament debut, Georgia beat the 2016 European champions to reach the last 16 & record their greatest victory to date. 🇬🇪pic.twitter.com/nbUEstqvfX
Georgia's counter-attacking strategy was on full display throughout the game. In the 72nd minute, Giorgi Chakvetadze broke through on the right wing, nearly scoring a third goal. Despite Portugal's continuous attacks, Georgia's defense held firm, with Mamardashvili making several crucial saves, including a brilliant fingertip save in the 90th minute to deny Nelson Semedo.
As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read Georgia 2-0 Portugal, sealing a historic victory for the Georgian team. This win ensured their advancement to the Round of 16 as one of the best third-place teams in the tournament.
⚽️After #Georgia defeated Portugal 2-0 at #EURO2024, the streets of #Tbilisi began filling up with citizens celebrating the victory#football pic.twitter.com/kxPqI78FG1
— Netgazeti (@netgazeti) June 26, 2024
Match Statistics
Goals: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (2’), Georges Mikautadze (57’ penalty)
Yellow Cards: Cristiano Ronaldo (29’), Pedro Neto (45’)
Key Saves: Giorgi Mamardashvili (multiple critical saves)
Team Lineups
Georgia Starting XI: Mamardashvili, Kakabadze, Dvali, Kashia, Kochorashvili, Chakvetadze, Lochoshvili, Gvelesiani, Kiteishvili, Mikautadze, Kvaratskhelia.
Portugal Starting XI: Costa, Dalot, Palinha, Danilo, Inacio, Joao Neves, Antonio Silva, Pedro Neto, Joao Felix, Conceicao, Ronaldo.
With this remarkable victory, Georgia looks forward to their next challenge in the Round of 16, while Portugal must regroup and reflect on their performance in the group stages. This match will be remembered as a testament to Georgia's growing prowess in international football and a significant upset in Euro 2024.
Georgia's 2-0 victory over Portugal in Euro 2024's Group F clash is a historic achievement for the team. With outstanding performances from key players and strategic brilliance, Georgia has proven their potential on the international stage. As they advance to the Round of 16, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how far this determined team can go in the tournament.
