Participating in a Euro tournament for the first time, Georgia created an earthquake when it unexpectedly defeated Portugal 2-0 in the final match of Group F, thereby officially advancing to the round of 16 of Euro 2024.

 

The final Group F match of Euro 2024 between Portugal and Georgia started with two completely different psyches. Portugal were already assured of topping the group and qualifying, while Georgia had to win if they wanted to reach the round of 16.

Right from the start of the match, Georgia showed great determination. Just after 2 minutes of play, in the first attack, Kvaratskhelia – Georgia’s brightest star – dribbled down the left wing and launched a delicate curling shot from the edge of the penalty area to open the score 1-0 for Georgia.

Georgia would have conceded if not for the brilliance of its defence. Photo: Getty Images.

In the 15th minute, Portugal was awarded a free kick from 30 meters away. Cristiano Ronaldo took the shot. The ball was launched at a terrifying speed of up to 130km/h, passing the defensive wall and flying towards the top corner of the Georgia goal. However, the Georgia goalkeeper made an excellent save, showing great reflexes and ability to read the situation.

In the 29th minute, Portugal had a good chance to equalize. Neto attacked on the left wing and crossed the ball inside. Georgia goalkeeper Mamardashvili had to rush out of the penalty area and punch the ball with one hand to clear the danger.

CR7 has yet to score a goal after three matches at Euro 2024. Photo: Getty Images.

However, the ball fell to Portugal’s Conceicao. Unfortunately, his left-footed shot went just wide of the post. After this situation, Ronaldo received a yellow card for complaining to the referee that his shirt was pulled. Through the replay, it seems that Ronaldo’s complaint was well-founded.

Just a minute later, Portugal’s Joao Felix had a remarkable opportunity. He received the ball 25 meters from the Georgia goal and unleashed a powerful shot. Although the shot was fast and dangerous, the ball went wide of the goal, to the regret of the Portuguese players and fans.

 

In the second half, in the 56th minute of the match, Georgia was awarded a penalty. Mikautadze was the one who took it. He shot the ball towards the bottom corner of the goal. Portugal goalkeeper Diego Costa guessed correctly and almost touched the ball, but in the end the ball still went into the net. Georgia increased the score to 2-0.

In their first ever Euro appearance, Georgia made history by beating Portugal and advancing to the group stage. Photo: Getty Images.

In the 67th minute, the Portuguese coach decided to make a substitution. Goncalo Ramos came on to replace Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo – as the team captain, was unhappy to have to leave the field.

In the following minutes, Portugal continuously attacked, but could not score a single goal of honor. Georgia created an earthquake when it unexpectedly defeated the European Selecao with a score of 2-0, advancing straight to the knockout round of Euro in its first participation in the tournament.

With this result, Portugal will meet Slovenia in the round of 16, while Georgia will face Spain – the only team to have 9 points in the group stage of Euro 2024 this year.