Georgia v Portugal LIVE: Result and reaction as Kvaratskhelia and Mikautadze goals earn shock win
Georgia 2-0 Portugal: A major upset sees Georgia qualify reach the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Georgia produced one of the most surprising results at Euro 2024 when they defeated Portugal 2-0 to qualify for the knockout stages a a major tournament for the very first time.
The eastern European nation registered the mot historic win as goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze ensured they finished third in Group F.
That saw them qualify for the last 16 where they will play Spain, while Portugal meet Slovenia and England’s opponents are now confirmed to be Slovakia.
Portugal’s position as Group F winners was secured with wins in their opening two games, so boss Roberto Martinez made eight changes to his starting XI though Cristiano Ronaldo retained his place at the head of the line.
Relive the updates and reaction to Group F’s finale below:
Euro 2024: Georgia 1-0 Portugal
22 mins
Felix swings in a free-kick from the right and it reaches Antonio Silva just beyond the back post, but he can only direct his header wide and over! Ronaldo was coming in just behind him at a far more favourable angle too.
Euro 2024: Georgia 1-0 Portugal
20 mins
Georgia’s gameplan is pretty set as we approach the 20th minute. They’re not sitting too deep yet but they’re definitely on the defensive, with a pretty consistent two banks of four – or sometimes a five and a three – sitting behind the ball when they don’t have it.
Euro 2024: Georgia 1-0 Portugal
17 mins
The days of the long-range Ronaldo free-kick may be long gone, but this one is a decent effort. It loops over the wall and Mamardashvili has to punch it away for a corner, which the ‘keeper eventually collects.
Euro 2024: Georgia 1-0 Portugal
15 mins
It’s a bit hectic at times now as both sides are struggling to keep possession. Georgia sweep it wide to Lochoshvili, but his early cross is deflected straight to Costa.
Portugal are mainly walking in possession with almost the entire Georgia team sitting in front of them, but Inacio inexplicably passes it straight out of play.
Shortly after, Portugal win a free-kick in a dangerous area...
Euro 2024: Georgia 1-0 Portugal
12 mins
Kvaratskhelia collects the ball in midfield and starts the counter, but it ends as Kochorashvili’s ball in is headed away.
Euro 2024: Georgia 1-0 Portugal
10 mins
Conceicao looks the clip a ball forward to Ronaldo, but he’s asking too much of the 39-year-old.
Portugal come again but it’s all too pedestrian at the moment, with Conceicao running the ball out for a goal kick.
Euro 2024: Georgia 1-0 Portugal
8 mins
Mikautadze tries a searching through ball to Chakvetadze, but it’s too hopeful.
Neto plays it in to Ronaldo, but his flick is wayward.
Euro 2024: Georgia 1-0 Portugal
6 mins
No chances since the goal but it’s been all Portugal. Can Georgia sit back and counter for the next 90?
Euro 2024: Georgia 1-0 Portugal
4 mins
We hadn’t had time to settle before that goal. Portugal had had the ball the entire time, and were just trying to feel their way into the game. It was great work from Mikautadze once he’d received it, and a brilliant finish from Kvaratskhelia too.
Portugal have possession again.
GOAL! Georgia 1-0 Portugal
2 mins
GOAL! Unbelievable scenes in Gelsenkirchen!
The game starts with plenty of Portugal possession and they get too relaxed – it comes to Silva, who dwells on it before playing a pass backwards without looking. It goes straight to Mikautadze, who carries towards goal and slips it through to Kvaratskhelia on the left. He takes a touch before blasting a shot across Costa and into the far corner!
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments