Euro 2024: Georgia surprises Portugal and qualifies for the first knockout phase

Georgia made history and reached their first knockout stage of a major tournament with victory over Portugal at Euro 2024.

Portugal had already won the group, but were shocked in their final group stage match before the clock struck two minutes when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia fired a low shot past Diogo Costa.

That goal came as Georgia hit Portugal on the break after spilling possession and set the tone for the rest of the evening.

The underdogs had no need for dominance and made their chances count when Georges Mikautadze delivered from the spot when they were awarded a penalty in the second half to further propel Georgia to their shock success.

Georgia were content to let Portugal control possession – as they were steadfast in defense and reduced spaces to limit Portugal’s chances – and waited for the opportunity to threaten on the counter.

Few opportunities presented themselves to Georgia, but few real dangers were entrusted to Portugal; the underdogs maintained their form to perfection and caused growing frustration for the Group F winners.

Cristiano Ronaldo lacked the service needed to make a difference in the final third, the Portuguese midfielders struggled to pass the ball in a way that did anything other than just improve their possession stats, and Georgia finished their group stage in style.

By beating Portugal, Georgia pulled off the biggest upset in Euro history, according to Fifa’s rankings, and created an unforgettable night at their first major tournament. They will now face Spain in the round of 16, while Portugal will take on Slovenia.

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