Georgia Stuns Portugal with a Historic 2-0 Victory in the Euros

 Georgia Stuns Portugal with a Historic 2-0 Victory in the Euros

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal (R) attempts a kick while being defended by Luka Lochoshvili of Georgia (C) during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Georgia and Portugal at Arena AufSchalke on June 26, 2024 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany(Image- Getty)

Georgia 2: 0 Portugal

Türkiye 2: 1 Czech Republic

Known as 'Cavaradona' or 'New Maradona' earlier. He was also one of the heroes who won the Serie A title after three decades of Napoli. That Khicha Kavaraskeia has faded Cristiano Ronaldo in the Euro match. Georgia made history with a 2-0 win over Portugal on a night where Cavaraskeia shined.

With this victory, Georgia went to the next stage as one of the third best teams from Group F. Türkiye beat Czech Republic 2-1 in the other group match. With this victory, Turkey also confirmed the last sixteen as the group runner-up.

Among the teams coming to play in the Euros, the lowest ranked team (number 74) is Georgia. Even this time the country got the opportunity to play the first big tournament. But it was Georgia who produced one of the greatest upsets in Euro history to reach the last sixteen. Along with Kavaraskeia, credit also goes to another forward, Giorghe Mikautadze. Besides assisting the first goal, he scored the second goal from the penalty spot.

After winning the first two matches, Portugal secured the last sixteen by becoming the best in the group. Maybe that's why Portugal coach Roberto Martinez made eleven changes from the previous match. However, despite resting most of the players in the regular XI, captain Ronaldo was left out. But Ronaldo could not make any difference in this match. Georgia left the field having written a wonderful story of a fairy tale.

Georgia's surprise was seen in the second minute of the match in the field of German club Schalke. Portuguese defender Antonio Silva miscues the ball near midfield to Georgia's Giorge Mikaotadze. Stepping forward, he volleyed the ball towards Kavaraskeia's goal. This winger of Napoli did not make a mistake by getting the ball in a convenient place. A great finish from space to give Georgia the lead.

Both teams became desperate as the goal was scored at the beginning of the match. While Portugal tried to attack to equalize, Georgia on the other hand had their eyes on another goal to establish absolute control of the match. That's why the fight is concentrated in attacks and counter-attacks. The goalkeeper saved Georgia by stopping a great free-kick taken by Ronaldo in the 16th minute. In the 28th minute, Portugal came close to the goal but could not find the goal.

In the 30th minute, Joao Felix's shot went wide of the post. At this time, Portugal put a lot of pressure on the Georgian defense. Kavaraskeia's effort on the counter-attack in the 33rd minute was narrowly missed. In the 35th minute, Ronaldo's shot was blocked by the Georgia defense net. Georgia were awarded a free-kick shortly after when Kavarskaia was fouled on the counter-attack. The Napoli winger's free-kick goes wide of the post.

Kavaraskeia was excellent on the counter-attack. With the ball at his feet, the potential for great things was being created. Apart from Kavaraskeia's brilliant football, the match was largely controlled by Portugal. In the 43rd minute, Joao Paulinia's shot went wide of the post. Portugal had to go to the break from behind.

After the break, Ronaldo's shot went over the post. In the 50th minute, Kavaraskeia missed a goal from a great attack. At that time, Georgia was responding to the attack with a counter-attack. Antonio Silva, who made a mistake in the first goal while preventing such a counter-attack, fouled Luca Losovili inside the box. After verifying the VAR, the referee gave the penalty decision. Mikaotadze did not mistake the spot kick. Gave Georgia a 2-0 lead.

Portugal became desperate to return to the match after losing two goals. Georgia was shaken by one attack after another. But over-attacking football was also creating danger for Portugal. On the counter-attack, Georgia were repeatedly creating threats. In the end, however, Portugal continued to attack one after another to get back into the match. They came very close more than once. But in the end, despite trying, could not break the defense-fortress of Georgia. Portugal had to leave the field with a loss.