June 26 – Georgia wrote history on their Euro’s debut by defeating Portugal’s second string 2-0 to claim a ticket for the last 16 of Euro 2024.
On an emotional night on the Ruhr, Georgia defied football logic and the balance of power to power past Portugal with a display of self-confidence and efficiency.
Willy Sagnol’s team were keenly aware of the mammoth task that awaited them against their illustrious opponents, but after sticking to their game plan and largely relying on the class of Napoli player Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Georgia’s ‘Kvaradonna’ – they were rewarded with a spot in the knockout rounds.
It was the greatest night in Georgia’s football history, so far.
Within two minutes, the Georgians and their golden boy Kvaratskhelia tore up the script. The lowest-ranked team in the tournament was up against the might and myth of Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo, the only outfield player manager Roberto Martinez retained from his side’s 3-0 victory against Turkey.
Pouncing on a terrible pass from António Silva, the ball came to Kvaratskhelia who lashed a shot across the goalkeeper and into the net with great composure.
Kvaradona’s great strike handed Georgia a dream start. They had barely touched the ball, but found themselves in a commanding position, with enough points on the board to prolong their maiden appearance at the continental finals.
In Gelsenkirchen, the equation had been simple from the start: the Georgians needed a win and Portugal were already assured of top spot. That allowed Martinez to rotate, the way Spain had done against Albania. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa and Ronaldo were retained, but even so, Portugal’s strength-in-depth seemed impressive. Joao Felix and Danilo were among the starters.
Sitting deep with a five-man rearguard, Georgia wanted to protect their precious lead and hurt Portugal on the counter. They were waiting for the moment to regain possession and spring a counter with Kvaratskhelia the focal point of the attack. At times, Portugal’s midfield pivot of Joao Palhinha and Joao Neves looked vulnerable.
In the 17th minute, Ronaldo replied with a stinging free kick that Giorgi Mamardashvili did well to punch out for a corner as the Portuguese slowly seized the initiative. At the half-hour mark, the Georgian goalkeeper was almost beaten when Felix dispatched a bullet from the right channel. Portugal were cranking up the pressure. Giorgi Gvelesian blocked a shot of Ronaldo, who had earlier been booked for dissent.
Kvaratskhelia kept tormenting his opponents and after a quick break, he side-netted a chance from a tight angle. Georgia’s attack simply had more intent and purpose than Portugal’s, blunted by Ronaldo’s stationary play. Will Martinez at some point in the tournament consider benching Ronaldo to allow his side more fluidity? The number seven trotted back to the dressing room at half time, berating the fourth official for his booking.
As it was, Georgia were 45 minutes away from history. They had scored a first goal against Turkey, gained a first point against the Czech Republic and, faced with a mission impossible against Portugal, were inching closer to a sensational result.
After the restart, Ronaldo almost had the ball in the back of the net when he struck from close range but it deflected off Lasha Dvali. Portugal’s talisman contested every decision of the referee, expressing his frustration and wildly gesticulating. It was in equal measure perhaps a sign of both the impotence and arrogance of Portugal.
After the hour mark, Martinez substituted him along with Antonio Silva, who had endured a desperate evening.
The young Benfica defender had also been at fault for Georgia’s second goal. In the 57th minute, Georges Mikautadze converted a penalty to send his team on their way to the knockout stages and become the ninth player to score in all three group matches of a single European championship.
The goal flattened Portugal and every time Sagnol’s team countered they were dangerous. At the back, Georgia were comfortable and disciplined, even if Nelson Semedo, Francisco Conceicao and Diogo Dalot had injury-time opportunities to get a consolation goal. Portugal didn’t deserve one. The night belonged to Sagnol and his men.
Since independence, Georgia have tried and failed 14 times to qualify for a major football tournament. Here, in Germany, they have played with conviction, always full throttle and with little fear.
At home, Kvaratskhelia and Mikautadze will have become immortal, but this was very much a collective Georgian effort. Together, they made history on a night they will never forget. Spain is up next.
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