Audio By Carbonatix
Georgia made history and reached their first major tournament knockout stage with victory over Portugal at Euro 2024.
Portugal had already won the group, but were shocked in their final group stage game before the clock struck two minutes as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia drilled a low shot past Diogo Costa.
That goal came as Georgia hit Portugal on the break after overturning possession and set the tone for how much of the rest of the night would play out.
The underdogs did not require dominance and made their chances count as Georges Mikautadze delivered from the spot when they were handed a second-half penalty to further propel Georgia to their shock success.
Georgia were content with letting Portugal control possession - as they were steely in defence and closing down space to limit Portugal's chances - and waited for the opportunity to threaten on the counter.
Few opportunities came Georgia's way, but few of any real danger were handed to Portugal; the underdogs held their shape to perfection and caused the Group F winners to become increasingly frustrated.
Cristiano Ronaldo lacked the service to make the difference in the final third, Portugal's midfielders struggled to pass the ball in a way that did anything more than merely boost their possession statistics, and Georgia finished their group stage in fine fashion.
By beating Portugal, Georgia completed the biggest Euros upset in history, based on Fifa rankings, and created a night to remember in their debut major tournament. They will now play Spain in the last 16, while Portugal take on Slovenia.
Latest Stories
-
US believes its power matters more than international law, UN chief tells BBC
2 hours -
Sogakope Circuit Court jails farmer 15 years for incest, defilement
2 hours -
2028 is not a normal election – Amewu explains why NPP needs Kennedy Agyapong
2 hours -
The whole nation wants Kennedy – Amewu makes strong case for Agyapong
2 hours -
31-year-old illegal miner sent to prison over theftÂ
3 hours -
Court remands GPHA staff over stolen tugboat
3 hours -
Attendance at trial is a constitutional duty, not an option
4 hours -
RTI response raises questions over Bryan Acheampong’s military service claims
4 hours -
Two women granted bail over assault of 12-year-old; another remanded
4 hours -
Ghana’s IMF programme extension to August 2026 was to allow more time for final review work – IMF
4 hours -
No records of Bryan Acheampong’s enlistment and release from the US Army – Parliament says in RTI response
4 hours -
Daasebre Osei Bonsu III swears oath of allegiance to Asantehene and pledges unity and development for Asante Mampong
5 hours -
We had fruitful deliberations with private transport operators – Transport Minister
5 hours -
45-year-old farmer jailed 15 years for sexually abusing 14-year-old niece
5 hours -
Lawrence Ofori joins Casa Pia after mutually parting ways with Moreirense
5 hours
