Georgia defeats Portugal to advance to the Round of 16 in Euro 2024.

For the first time participating in the Euros causedcaused a stir when Georgia defeats Portugal with a two-goal victory in the final match of Group F, thereby officially advancing to the Round of 16 of Euro 2024.

The final match of Group F in Euro 2024 between Portugal and Georgia started with the two teams in completely different mindsets. Portugal was already certain to top the group and advance, while Georgia needed a win to make it to the Round of 16.

Right from the beginning of the match, Georgia showed high determination. Just 2 minutes into the game, in their first attacking situation, Kvaratskhelia – Georgia’s brightest star – made a run down the left wing and executed a skillful curl from the edge of the box to open the scoring at 1-0 for Georgia.

In the 15th minute, Portugal was awarded a free kick from a distance of 30 meters. Cristiano Ronaldo took the shot. The ball was struck with tremendous speed at 130 km/h, passing over the defensive wall and heading towards the top corner of Georgia’s goal. However, Georgia’s goalkeeper made an excellent save, showing great reflexes and situational awareness.

By the 29th minute, Portugal had a golden opportunity to equalize. Neto launched an attack down the left wing and crossed the ball into the box. Georgia’s goalkeeper Mamardashvili had to rush out of the box and punch the ball away with one hand to clear the danger.

However, the ball fell to Portugal’s Conceicao. Unfortunately, his left-footed shot went narrowly wide of the post. Following this situation, Ronaldo received a yellow card for complaining to the referee that he had been pulled by the shirt. From the replay, it seemed Ronaldo’s complaint was justified.

Just a minute later, Portugal’s Joao Felix had a notable opportunity. He received the ball from 25 meters out and unleashed a powerful shot. Although the shot was quick and dangerous, it went narrowly wide of the goal, leaving Portuguese players and fans in regret.

In the 56th minute of the second half, Georgia was awarded a penalty. Mikautadze stepped up to take it. He shot towards the bottom corner of the goal. Portugal’s goalkeeper Diego Costa guessed the right direction and almost touched the ball, but it still found its way into the net. Georgia increased their lead to 2-0.

In the 67th minute, Portugal’s coach decided to make a substitution. Goncalo Ramos came on to replace Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo, as the captain, showed displeasure at being substituted.

In the remaining minutes, Portugal continuously attacked but couldn’t score even a consolation goal. Georgia created a shock by unexpectedly defeating the European Selecao with a 2-0 score, advancing to the knockout stage of Euro 2024 in their first appearance at the tournament.

With this result, Portugal will face Slovenia in the Round of 16, while Georgia will encounter Spain – the only team with 9 points in the group stage of Euro 2024 this year.