Georgia booked a place in the last 16 of Euro 2024 in their debut appearance at a major tournament, with a 2-0 win over Portugal on Wednesday in the biggest upset in European Championship history.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s early goal and a Georges Mikautadze penalty earned Georgia, ranked 74th in the FIFA rankings, the win over already-qualified Portugal, ranked sixth.
Slovakia’s (48th) win over Belgium (3rd) earlier this tournament previously held the distinction for the biggest upset by FIFA rankings.
Portugal’s Antonio Silva was at fault for both goals, having passed the ball straight to Mikautadze who fed Kvaratskhelia to score after 93 seconds before the defender clumsily conceded the spot kick which Mikautadze converted in the 57th minute.
Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Portugal created several chances but Cristiano Ronaldo was denied by goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from a first-half free-kick and just after the break shot straight at the prone Guram Kashia from close range.
Georgia defended resolutely, countered at pace and fully deserved their victory, which means they finish third in Group F and face Spain in the last 16, while Portugal — who were already guaranteed to top the group — will play Slovenia.
Information from Reuters and ESPN Stats & Information contributed to this report.
