Group F Result: Georgia defeats Portugal 2-0
In an unprecedented turn of events at Euro 2024, Georgia took Portugal by surprise to secure a place in the knockout stages for the first time in history, winning 2-0. The victory, which took place on Wednesday, was secured by an early strike from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and a penalty goal from Georges Mikautadze against the previous champions of Europe.
Though Portugal, who had already guaranteed their move into the next stage with a largely secondary team, Georgia’s win marks the most significant achievement for the nation since its secession from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Following a disappointing fourth-place finish in their initial qualifying group at the Euro Championships, Georgia had a long journey to Germany. It necessitated victory in their Euro Nations group, which is considered less prestigious, and a playoff triumph over Greece.
However, Coach Willy Sagnol, the former Bayern Munich and France defender, and his team meritoriously secured a third-place standing in Group F of the tournament, leading to a round of 16 showdown with three-time Euro victors, Spain.
This Georgia win alters the lineup for the next round: England is set to play against Slovakia, Romania will compete against the Netherlands, and Portugal is matched with Slovenia. Hungary, who was in line for progression, was narrowly defeated and therefore eliminated.
The tournament newcomers led from the second minute when Napoli winger, Kvaratskhelia, capitalized on a reckless pass from Antonio Silva before firing a powerful low shot past Portugal’s goalie, Diogo Costa.
Cristiano Ronaldo – playing his last Euro at 39 and striving to be the oldest goal scorer in the tournament’s history – gave it his all but was met with staunch resistance from a tenacious Georgian defence who looked to capitalize on Portugal’s vulnerable moments. Silva’s day went from bad to worse when he committed a foul awarded as a penalty in the 53rd minute, confirmed via a VAR decision.
Mikautadze, the early goal facilitator, comfortably converted the penalty, taking his goal tally to three and making him the highest scorer of Euro 2024 so far.
Ronaldo, who was visibly frustrated, was shown a yellow card for dissent before being substituted in the second half, where he was seen venting his anger on a water bottle.
Georgian goalkeeper, Giorgi Mamardashvili, thwarted Portugal’s attempts to score in the remaining moments of the match. The completion of the game was met with sheer joy from the Georgian team and coaching crew who rushed onto the playground to express their jubilation in front of their numerous enthusiasts.
Turkey overcame a resilient Czech Republic side and scored a late decisive goal, ensuring a 2-1 victory on Wednesday. This victory ratified their position as second in Euro 2024 Group F and guaranteed a last-16 showdown with Austria.
The Czechs’ chances of progressing were dependent on a win, yet the dismissal of their forward Antonin Barak in the 20th minute significantly hampered their strategy. Turkey’s captain, Hakan Calhanoglu, added insult to injury with a goal in the 50th minute. However, hope was reignited for the Czechs with Tomas Soucek’s equaliser coming 16 minutes later.
Yet, Turkey claimed the win with Cenk Tosun netting a goal during the extra time.