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
-
Fashion at Joy Prime Made in Ghana Fair
1 hour -
Alan Kyerematen wanted me to be his running mate – Okyeame Kwame
1 hour -
AFCON 2025Q: Otto Addo calls up Jerry Afriyie, two others for Niger clash
3 hours -
Vacant Seats: Supreme Court failed to strengthen Ghana’s democracy – NDC’s Beatrice Annan
3 hours -
Coop Kee makes bold statement with ‘Ohemaa’
3 hours -
Judiciary not a rubber stamp for Jubilee House decisions – Atta Akyea asserts
4 hours -
Judiciary being manipulated by politicians – Franklin Cudjoe claims
4 hours -
NPP slams ‘unwarranted and disgraceful’ attacks on Kufuor
4 hours -
Election 2024: Dampare cautions public against electoral misconduct
4 hours -
Mahama: Voting for Bawumia is endorsing mismanagement
4 hours -
NPP Ho Central PC launches ‘DINATO’ loan scheme to support women traders
4 hours -
Vacant seats: Political poison in the judicial system at its peak – Justice Atuguba
4 hours -
Kadjebi NCCE engages political party youth activists on peace, tolerance
5 hours -
Krachi East: NCCE educates voters on proper voting procedures
5 hours -
NCCE organises debate for Kwesimintsim parliamentary candidates
5 hours