GELSENKIRCHEN: Georgia created football history by defeating Portugal with a remarkable 2-0 win. Hence, they secured their place in the Euro 2024 knockout stage. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored early, and Georges Mikautadze added a penalty to seal Georgia's victory.
It was Georgia's first major international tournament, so they celebrated enthusiastically with their fans after the match. Coach Willy Sagnol's team, qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams from Group F, now prepares to face Spain in the next round.
"We made history today. No one thought we could beat Portugal, but this win shows how strong we are as a team," Kvaratskhelia said happily. "When you believe, even a small chance can lead to big things."
Portugal, already through to the next round as group winners, played with a different lineup managed by Roberto Martinez. Despite having more of the ball, they struggled to score against Georgia's tough defence.
"We didn't play with enough energy. Giving up an early goal boosted Georgia, and we couldn't score when we needed to," Martinez admitted. "Georgia deserved to win."
The game turned in Georgia's favour when Antonio Silva's foul on Luka Lochoshvili led to Mikautadze's decisive penalty. After that, Georgia defended strongly and frustrated Portugal's efforts to tie the game. Even Cristiano Ronaldo couldn't get past Georgia's determined defence.
Now, Georgia look ahead to a tough match against Spain in the next phase of Euro 2024.
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