Portugal were stunned in their final Euro 2024 group game, as Georgia secured a shocking win over the 2016 champions of the tournament.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia put Willy Sagnol’s side ahead in the 2nd minute, with a fabulous effort that thrust into the bottom corner.
Antonio Silva lost possession of the ball in midfield, with Mikautadze recovering for Georgia, before serving the ball through to Kvaratskhelia, who converted expertly.
Portugal enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the Euro 2024 affair, with their opposition being more conservative but ambitious.
Referee Sandro Scharer Denies Portugal A Contentious Penalty After Ronaldo Was Pulled In The Box
Cristiano Ronaldo was booked in the 28th minute for dissent after he was disgruntled that Swiss referee Sandro Scharer didn’t hand him a penalty for seemingly being pulled.
Portugal had a big opportunity to score in the 30th minute after Georgia failed to clear their lines from an attack by Roberto Martinez’s side.
The ball dashes onto the path of Joao Felix on the edge of the area, with the Atletico Madrid man’s effort just going past the right-hand post.
In the 44th minute, Portugal’s Pedro Neto was also booked for diving and he became the second Selecao player to be booked for simulation, after Rafael Leao was handed a yellow card in their second group game against Turkey, ultimately leading to his suspension for the third game.
Felix also had another golden opportunity to draw Roberto Martinez’s side level in the first minute of stoppage time in the opening half, as he ran inside from the right and smashed a low effort at goal.
His attempt was well dealt with by goalkeeper Mamardashvili, who went down to make the big save.
Portugal headed into the break trailing and needing to respond in the second half.
Ruben Neves made way for Joao Palhinha after the restart of action, with Selecao also having a barrage of chances to score in the second period.
Ruben Neves was booked in the 53rd minute for hauling back Chakvetadze by his shorts, as he was advancing.
Six minutes before the hour mark, Diogo Dalot tested Georgia’s Mamardashvili from about 20 yards out but the latter did well to prevent the former with a brilliant save.
Georgia Doubled Their Lead Over Portugal Via A Penalty
The Crusaders made it 2-0 in the 57th minute with attacker Georges Mikautadze coolly dispatching a penalty to put his side in firm control of the game.
Referee Sandro had initially declined to hand Georgia the opportunity, but he changed his mind following a VAR review.
Luka Lochoshvili was substituted 3 minutes after the hour mark, with Heorhiy Tsitaishvili coming on in his stead.
Cristiano Ronaldo was withdrawn in the 66th minute for Goncalo Ramos, while Antonio Silva exited the pitch for Nelson Semedo.
Fifteen minutes before the expiration of the affair, Diogo Jota also came on for Pedro Neto, while Mathias Nunes was introduced for Joao Neves.
Georgia’s last set of changes saw them bring on Solomon Kvirkveliya for Giorgi Gvelesiani due to injury.
Mekvabishvili also came on for Giorgi Chakvetadze, while Zuriko replaced Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Anzor Mekvabishvili, who came on late in the game was booked in the 85th minute for a poor tackle, as the game gradually got to its culminating stage.
Despite the threats posed by Portugal, Georgia stood tall and ultimately secured a big victory that was enough to send them into the last 16 as one of the best-placed teams.
Portugal qualified from Group F as leaders with 6 points from 3 matches, but their unbeaten run in the tournament has gone up in flames.
Czech Republic 1-2 Turkiye
Turkiye secured a hard-fought win over the Czech Republic courtesy of sublime goals from captain Hakan Calhanoglu and Cenk Tosun in the 51st and 90+4 minute respectively.
Tomas Soucek brought back Czech Republic level in the 66th minute, but former Everton man Tosun had other ideas, as he came in handy for Vincenzo Montella’s side.
Turkey head into the last 16 on equal number of points as Portugal, having picked up 2 wins from 3 matches, although they finished 2nd due to a goal difference of 0 compared to the Selecao’s + 2.
The Czech Republic are now out in the group stage following an underwhelming display, where they secured just one draw and lost 2 games.
