Georgia beat Portugal 2-0, qualifying for the group stage in their first appearance at EURO 2024.

Portugal secured a ticket to the EURO 2024 group stage one match early after defeating both the Czech Republic (2-1) and Turkey (3-0), but the match against Georgia is still important as it is a practice match for Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates for the tough round of 16 ahead.

However, against an opponent 68 places lower in the FIFA rankings, Portugal surprisingly conceded first. In the 2nd minute, Georges Mikautadze broke through the middle of Portugal and passed the ball to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Napoli star decisively finished with his left foot, defeating goalkeeper Diogo Costa, putting Georgia ahead.

Georgia takes the lead

AFP

It is commendable for Georgia that in their first EURO appearance, the Eastern European team scored against Turkey, the Czech Republic and Portugal.

Kvaratskhelia’s goal set the tone for the match: Portugal pressed the pitch, while Georgia defended hard. Georgia’s defensive wall left Roberto Martinez’s team stuck, forcing them to settle the game with long-range shots.

In the 17th minute, Ronaldo took a powerful free kick, but the ball went right to goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. Five minutes later, Portugal had another chance, but Joao Palhinha’s shot was weak, missing the path of the Valencia goalkeeper. In the 28th minute, it was Francisco Conceicao’s turn to take the rebound after the ball bounced around, but once again, the ball went off target.

Ronaldo was on fire in his quest for his 15th goal in the EURO finals. The 39-year-old was pulled down in the box midway through the first half but Portugal were denied a penalty. Ronaldo later appealed but was eventually booked by the referee. Then in the 34th minute, Ronaldo played a one-touch with his teammate and then raced down to score from a tight angle. However, Georgia’s defenders fought back to save the goal.

Ronaldo received a yellow card for reacting

AFP

Portugal’s pressure continued from the first half to the second, but when they were having a relatively good attacking rhythm, coach Roberto Martinez’s team was doused with cold water.

In the 55th minute, Georgia’s Luka Lochoshvili was fouled by Antonio Silva in the penalty area. The Portuguese midfielder’s boot touched his opponent’s ankle. After consulting VAR and reviewing the slow-motion replay, referee Sandro Scharer awarded a penalty to Georgia.

On the 11m mark, Mikautadze accurately placed the ball into the right corner, helping Georgia double the gap.

At 2 goals down, Portugal could no longer maintain the pressure they had in the first half. The controversy peaked in the 66th minute when coach Martinez took Ronaldo off the pitch and replaced him with Goncalo Ramos. Despite having more possession, Portugal’s attack was monotonous, relying mainly on crosses from the flanks.

Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili also played impressively to protect his net from Portugal’s attacks in the second half.

Despite losing 0-2, Portugal still maintained their top position in Group F. As for Georgia, the precious victory helped the team gain 4 points, thus winning a ticket to the round of 16 of EURO 2024 in their first time participating in the tournament. A true fairy tale for Georgia!