Georgia took an immediate lead as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia put them ahead within one minute. One minute later, Portugal came close through Joao Felix but his shot deflected wide.
Martinez should take advantage of Group F’s top spot to rest players and give some young talents their first test-runs. Here we will discuss the high lights of Georgia National Football Team vs Portugal National Football Team Lineups.
Georgia XI: Mamardashvili
Giorgi Mamardashvili has been outstanding for Georgia at Euro 2024. Although likely moving on after leaving Dinamo Tbilisi for Valencia this summer, he already holds down a starting role for his nation.
Georgia team captain Jonathan Gwineli is an integral player, helping keep Portugal at bay and maintaining their solid defence. Gwineli has made an exceptional start to this tournament by blocking many shots and dribble attempts by Ronaldo and Joao Felix respectively.
Mikautadze strikes Georgia an equaliser after Silva clips Lochoshvili inside the box and causes VAR review, earning them a penalty kick that Costa did well to take and strike into. Georgia now leads in their inaugural European Championship match!
Gvelesiani
Georgia held their shape and closed down space to limit Portugal’s possession as they looked for opportunities on the counterattack. Kvaratskhelia scored after collecting Antonio Silva’s careless pass near midfield; Mikautadze doubled Georgia’s advantage during the second half with his penalty kick past Costa.
Ronaldo watched helplessly as his penalty appeal for Luka Lochoshvili’s push was rejected, becoming increasingly angry as his substitution in the 66th minute arrived and water bottles began flying around as he exited. At one point, Ronaldo kicked them away angrily when leaving the pitch!
Georgia pulled off one of the greatest upsets ever seen at an European tournament and secured their spot in the knockout rounds in just their debut major tournament appearance. Even though they averaged the lowest possession among qualifying teams, they managed to do what needed to be done and start an unexpected turn of events that will be remembered fondly for years.
Kakabadze
As Kvicha Kvaratskhelia raises his arm in celebration, the Veltins Arena crowd explodes with joy! Georgia, who are currently ranked 74th by FIFA, have stunned European top seeds Portugal led by Cristiano Ronaldo to advance into the last 16 of Euro 2024!
Portugal have plenty of the ball, yet can’t break down Georgia’s strong defensive unit. A cross from the right finds Conceicao inside the box but his attempt goes wide; then Dalot hits an ambitious shot from distance that forces Mamardashvili into an incredible save!
Kochorashvili
Georgia’s defender was outstanding, helping them shut out Portugal at Gelsenkirchen.
Georgia have secured their place in the last 16 at Euro 2024 after defeating Moldova 2-0 thanks to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze’s goals at the tournament! The lowest-ranked side made it through to the last 16.
Georgia secured one of the top third-place teams, meaning they will play one of them in the knockout rounds – an outstanding achievement for an underdog team!
Ronaldo attempts a long-range free kick, which unfortunately misses its target. Ramos then steps in as replacement; but Europe’s champions still struggle to break through Georgia’s backline!
Chakvetadze
Giorgi Chakvetadze scored Georgia a surprise lead against Portugal late in Euro 2024’s final group game with his penalty conversion against Antonio Silva for fouling Luka Lochoshvili; though Portugal had several opportunities to equalize but couldn’t do so.
Joao Felix attempted to shoot but his effort went wide of the goal, while Mikautadze attempted to send Chakvetadze a cross but his attempt seemed more hopeful than calculated.
Georgia counter attacks continue, culminating with Kiteishvili striking an effort into the side netting from close range. Neves then takes a corner that was directed toward the far post; Mamardashvili makes another excellent save! Four minutes of added time remain before this game ends 1-0 in Gelsenkirchen and Georgia progress into their maiden European tournament’s last 16!
Kiteishvili
Georgia’s defenders have stood up well under pressure and there’s an enormous sense of pride among fans in Georgia and their coach Willy Sagnol as they advance to the last 16 with victory against Portugal, who had been more experienced and had won more matches prior to Georgia joining this Euros tournament. Georgia have done themselves proud by reaching the last 16.
Starting slowly, neither side was able to create clear-cut opportunities until Felix attempted a cross at the far post which Mamardashvili was able to save comfortably.
Portugal attempted another attack, but Conceicao’s hopeful ball in proved too much for Jota to handle and went out for a goal kick. Georgia responded in impressive fashion as Mikautadze attempted to play Chakvetadze a through ball but failed to connect properly and almost scored again through Kvaratskhelia but his shot hit the side-netting instead of making contact. Georgia eventually made their move when Kvirkvelia replaced Gvelesiani as center-back which gave them much needed relief as Georgia continued play until finally making changes with Gvelesiani being replaced with Kvirkvelia coming on in their favour, giving much-needed support against Portugal.
Lochoshvili
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gave Georgia an early lead against Portugal with his goal shortly after kickoff. Aided by Antonio Silva’s miscue, this Napoli player slotted home and sent Georgia into dreamland.
After half-time, the visitors were generally second best but had opportunities of their own. Cristiano Ronaldo dragged a free kick wide while Inacio gave away possession on a counter attack, leading Kochorashvili to head the ball away for a corner kick.
Georgia has found their early goal to be a major boost and they now appear more dangerous on the break. Chakvetadze’s pass through to Mikautadze found the forward, who attempted to close in but his shot was deflected wide before Joao Felix shot close up which Mamardashvili punched out and kicked away safely by Mamardashvili; half time was reached with Georgia holding onto one goal lead despite Joao Neves leaving Portugal at half time before Joao Felix replaced Joao Neves after Portugal restarted as they resumed play; Georgia held onto their lead while Portugal made changes at restart by replacing Joao Neves with Joao Felix as Portugal added another attack man with Joao Felix replacing Joao Neves on restart as soon as Portugal resumed play;
Mikautadze
An error by Silva allows Georgia the chance to counterattack, with Kvaratskhelia on hand to convert with ease – delighting his Georgian fans who celebrate wildy.
Mikautadze can only make them louder if he adds more goals to his total. The Metz forward can play as either a central striker or as part of a supporting attack.
He excels at leading his line and holding onto the ball securely. Additionally, he runs channels expertly and possesses an eye for goal.
Portugal are playing for pride after suffering defeat by their group rival. They will face Slovenia in the quarter finals.
Kvaratskhelia
Kvaratskhelia shines as Georgia takes an early lead with his opening goal after just 93 seconds, followed by another in the second half after Portugal’s Antonio Silva gives away possession.
Mamardashvili easily collects Joao Felix’s long-range shot for Portugal and saves a Cristiano Ronaldo header, even as Ronaldo believed that a penalty should have been awarded.
Georgia celebrate their inaugural Euro Cup victory. Now they’ll play one of Germany’s third-place teams next week and Montella, once Bayern Munich manager, has emerged as hero in his home country by leading them from underdog status to group winners with his combination of youth and experience: Inter Milan maestro Hakan Calhanoglu playing midfield and Real Madrid 19-year-old Arda Guler up front as examples.
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