Georgia’s national football team achieved a historic milestone by defeating Portugal 2-0 at the Arena AufSchalke, securing their place in the knockout stages of Euro 2024. This remarkable victory not only marked Georgia’s debut in a major tournament but also underscored their potential as a formidable team on the European stage.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, a pivotal figure in Georgia’s triumph, played an instrumental role in the victory. The 23-year-old forward, who has already made a name for himself by winning Italy’s Serie A with Napoli in 2023, opened the scoring just 92 seconds into the match. His quick strike set the tone for the game, energizing his team and deflating their opponents. Georges Mikautadze, the tournament’s top scorer with three goals, added a second goal via a penalty, cementing Georgia’s lead and eventual victory.
Kvaratskhelia credited a pre-match meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo for inspiring the belief that his team could achieve the seemingly impossible. The young Georgian star expressed immense admiration for Ronaldo, describing him as his boyhood idol and praising his generosity and sportsmanship. Ronaldo’s encouragement before the match bolstered Kvaratskhelia’s confidence, contributing to his outstanding performance on the field.
For Georgia, this victory was more than just a win; it was a monumental achievement that resonated deeply with their fans. Kvaratskhelia described the day as the happiest of his life, surpassing even the joy he felt when winning the Serie A title. The significance of representing his country and making history with his national team brought him unparalleled pride and satisfaction.
“I got Ronaldo’s jersey and we’ve made it through to the next round,” said Kvaratskhelia, who labelled the Portugal No.7 his boyhood idol before the game, in a news conference via a translator.
“This is the best day in the lives of Georgian football fans. We’ve made history, no one would believe we’d make it happen.
“No one would believe we could beat Portugal but that’s why we’re a strong team; if there’s even a 1% chance, we’ve shown we can make it happen.
“Before the match there was a meeting [with Ronaldo] and he wished me success; I’d never imagine he would come and talk to me.
“He’s a great player and a great person. That’s why he’s a great personality in and out of football; I have so much respect for him, he’s one of the best players in the world.
“When he comes to talk to you before the match, that’s amazing; that helped us believe we could do something today.”
Georgia’s coach, Willy Sagnol, admitted that he did not believe his team had secured their spot in the knockout stages until the final whistle. Reflecting on past football dramas, including Manchester United’s famous comeback against Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final, Sagnol remained cautious until the end. The final whistle brought a sense of relief and fulfillment, as Georgia’s dream of advancing in the tournament became a reality.
Portugal, already assured of their place in the next round as group winners, made eight changes to their lineup for this match. Despite the alterations, coach Roberto Martínez emphasized that his team did not underestimate Georgia. He acknowledged the intensity and high level of play demonstrated by the Georgian team, attributing Portugal’s defeat to their own lack of intensity and missed opportunities.
Cristiano Ronaldo played for 65 minutes but was unable to find the net, marking the end of his remarkable streak of scoring in the group phase of every major tournament since Euro 2004. Portugal will now face Slovenia in the next round, with Martínez planning to reinstate key players Rúben Dias, Bernardo Silva, and Bruno Fernandes.
Georgia’s victory allowed them to advance as one of the four best third-placed teams in the tournament. This historic accomplishment has not only galvanized their fans but also established Georgia as a rising force in European football. The team will face Spain in the knockout stages, poised to continue their impressive run and further solidify their place in football history.
In the same group, Turkey secured their progression by defeating Czechia, finishing as runners-up behind Portugal. They are set to meet Austria in the last 16, setting the stage for more exciting matches in the tournament’s next phase. Georgia’s stunning victory over Portugal will be remembered as a landmark moment in the country’s football history, inspiring future generations and showcasing the potential of Georgian football on the international stage.
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