Georgia secured a historic place in the knockout stages of Euro 2024 with a stunning 2-0 victory over Portugal on Wednesday. Alongside Georgia, Turkey, Belgium, Romania, and Slovakia also advanced to the last 16 as the group stage concluded.
Georgia’s Historic Triumph
Appearing in their first European Championship, Georgia needed their first-ever victory at the tournament to progress to the last 16. Facing Portugal in Gelsenkirchen, Georgia’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, having already secured their place in the last 16 as Group F winners, fielded a rotated team with eight changes. Georgia capitalized on this, taking an early lead within two minutes thanks to a superb finish from their star player, Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Georges Mikautadze, who assisted the first goal, scored from the penalty spot early in the second half, making him the competition’s top scorer with three goals.
Portugal, despite their efforts, were repeatedly thwarted by Georgia’s impressive goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. The 39-year-old Ronaldo, holding a Euros record of 14 goals, remains goalless in this year’s tournament.
Georgia, ranked 74th in the world, now faces a formidable challenge against Spain in the next round on Sunday in Cologne, having advanced as one of the four best third-placed sides.
Coach Sagnol’s Pride
“It’s still difficult to realize what we have done,” said Georgia coach Willy Sagnol. “I’m so proud of the players because of the image they have shown of Georgia today. I feel very proud to be their manager.”
This remarkable achievement comes as Georgia, a former Soviet Republic and a candidate for European Union membership, grapples with political turmoil over controversial “foreign influence” legislation.
Turkey’s Last-Minute Win
In the same group, Turkey secured a second-place finish with a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in Hamburg. Cenk Tosun’s stoppage-time goal sealed the victory for Turkey, who played with an extra man after Antonin Barak’s 20th-minute red card. Hakan Calhanoglu’s superb strike put Turkey ahead in the second half, but Tomas Soucek equalized for the Czechs. Tomas Chory was also shown red after the final whistle.
Turkey will face Austria in the last 16 in Leipzig next Tuesday, while Portugal will play Slovenia in Frankfurt on Monday.
Ukraine’s Heartbreak
Group E witnessed a dramatic finish as war-torn Ukraine was eliminated despite securing four points. Romania’s 1-1 draw with Slovakia ensured both teams’ progression, while Ukraine’s 0-0 draw with Belgium was insufficient.
All four sides in Group E ended with four points, but Ukraine’s 3-0 defeat to Romania in their opening game proved costly, leaving them at the bottom on goal difference. Belgium, having underperformed in the group, will face France in the last 16, having finished second.
Captain Kevin De Bruyne acknowledged the fans’ disappointment in Stuttgart, urging them to continue their support against France. “We need these fans, we need them against France,” said De Bruyne. “We gave it our all during the three matches, everybody wanted to win. We tried, but we didn’t manage to do so.”
Romania’s Resilience
Romania, ensuring their first knockout stage appearance in 24 years, came from behind to draw 1-1 with Slovakia. Ondrej Duda’s header gave Slovakia the lead, but Ianis Hagi, son of legend Gheorghe Hagi, won a penalty converted by Razvan Marin.
Slovakia, advancing as one of the best third-placed sides, will meet England in Gelsenkirchen, while Romania will take on the Netherlands in the last 16.
Looking Ahead
The last 16 promises thrilling encounters with Georgia facing Spain, Turkey against Austria, Belgium versus France, Slovakia meeting England, and Romania challenging the Netherlands. The knockout stages of Euro 2024 are set to deliver captivating football moments as teams vie for glory on Europe’s biggest stage.
