Georgia Shocks Portugal, Advances to Euro 2024 Knockout Stages in Debut Major Tournament

Georgia pulled off the biggest upset of Euro 2024 with a stunning 2-0 victory over Portugal, securing their place in the round of 16.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gave Georgia an early lead, capitalizing on a defensive error by Portugal within the first two minutes. Georges Mikautadze sealed the win with a penalty in the second half. Competing in their first major tournament, Georgia has won over fans with their fearless and high-intensity football.

Their spirited performance was on full display in Wednesday’s victory, as Georgia comfortably saw out the win to qualify for the knockout stages as one of the tournament’s four best third-place teams.

In other matches, Turkey’s 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic secured their second-place finish in Group F, behind Portugal.

Portugal had already secured their place in the knockout stages with wins over the Czech Republic and Turkey. They were aiming to become the second team, after Spain, to win all three group games at Euro 2024. Georgia, on the other hand, needed a win to advance.

Despite being the lowest-ranked team at Euro 2024, Georgia had shown resilience in their previous matches, narrowly losing to Turkey and drawing with the Czech Republic. A lapse in focus from Portugal allowed Georgia to score the opening goal early in the game.

A poor back pass by Antonio Silva was intercepted by Mikautadze, who then set up Kvaratskhelia to score brilliantly past Diogo Costa. The roar from the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen was deafening, as though it could be heard back in Tbilisi.

Portugal dominated possession for the rest of the first half but was restricted to long shots by a diligent Georgian defense. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili made several key saves, frustrating Ronaldo and João Félix. Ronaldo's frustration led to a yellow card for dissent after a penalty claim was denied.

Despite Portugal’s control, Georgia nearly doubled their lead when Giorgi Gvelesiani missed a header from Kvaratskhelia’s free kick. Kvaratskhelia had another chance early in the second half but missed the target.

Georgia's second goal came after a VAR review confirmed a foul on Otar Kiteishvili in the penalty area. Mikautadze calmly converted the penalty, sending the Georgian fans into a frenzy.

This goal marked Mikautadze’s third of the tournament, making him the top scorer at Euro 2024. Georgia continued to hold their ground, looking more likely to score on the counterattack.

Nelson Semedo had Portugal’s best chance in the second half, but Mamardashvili’s sharp save preserved Georgia’s clean sheet. At full time, the Georgian players and bench celebrated passionately with their fans.

Ranked 74th in the world and representing a nation of fewer than four million people, this victory marks the greatest night in Georgia’s football history.