Georgia Stuns Portugal in Euro 2024

Georgia has made history by advancing to the Round of 16 in Euro 2024 after a 2-0 victory over Portugal on Wednesday.

This marks their first appearance in a major international tournament.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia delivered a surprising lead for Georgia against a modified Portugal team, which had already secured the top spot in Group F, just over a minute into the game in Gelsenkirchen.

Georges Mikautadze solidified Georgia's monumental win with a penalty in the 57th minute, ensuring their progression as one of the four best third-placed teams.

This victory sets up a challenging matchup with an in-form Spain on Sunday.

Although Portugal controlled much of the game and seemed poised to equalize, defender Antonio Silva's error led to Georgia's first goal.

Silva was then controversially penalized for a foul on Luka Lochoshvili, resulting in the decisive penalty.

Despite the loss, Portugal is set to face Slovenia on Monday.

Coach Roberto Martinez will benefit from having a mostly rested starting lineup, crucial for navigating the competitive top half of the tournament draw.

Georgian football journalist Dato Lobjanidze told BBC Radio 5 Live, "This is unbelievable.

When Georgia qualified for the tournament in March, it was huge, but this is even bigger. Tbilisi will be celebrating all night."

Kvaratskhelia capitalized on Silva's mistake, receiving a pass from Mikautadze and confidently scoring.

Sagnol's team then focused on defending their lead as Portugal pressed forward.

Cristiano Ronaldo tested Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili with a free-kick in the 17th minute and received a yellow card for dissent just before the half-hour mark.

Despite several close attempts from Francisco Conceicao and Joao Felix, Portugal couldn't break through Georgia's defense.

Ronaldo's frustrations continued after halftime when his near-certain goal was inadvertently blocked by his teammate Lasha Dvali.

Kvaratskhelia missed a chance to extend Georgia's lead before Mikautadze secured the win with a penalty, marking his third goal in three games.

"We can fight against everyone," Kvaratskhelia said. "I’m so proud.”

Turkey Moves to Knockout Stages After Defeating the Czech Republic

Turkey has reached the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time in 16 years following a 2-1 victory over a 10-man Czech Republic.

Vincenzo Montella's team finished second in Group F behind Portugal.

Turkey will face Austria in Leipzig on Tuesday, marking their first knockout match since the Euro 2008 semi-finals.

The Czechs, despite a valiant effort, were eliminated after Antonin Barak received two bookings and was sent off in the 20th minute.

Tomas Chory also saw red after the final whistle in a match featuring 18 yellow cards.

Hakan Calhanoglu gave Turkey a 51st-minute lead, but Tomas Soucek equalized midway through the second half.

Cenk Tosun sealed Turkey's win in added time, ending the Czech Republic's hopes.

Euro 2024 Round of 16 Schedule

Saturday, June 29

• Switzerland vs. Italy (Berlin, 8pm UAE)
  
  
• Germany vs. Denmark (Dortmund, 11pm)
  
  

Sunday, June 30

• England vs. Slovakia (Gelsenkirchen, 8pm)
  
  
• Spain vs. Georgia (Cologne, 11pm)
  
  

Monday, July 1

• France vs. Belgium (Dusseldorf, 8pm)
  
  
• Portugal vs. Slovenia (Frankfurt, 11pm)
  
  

Tuesday, July 2

• Romania vs. Netherlands (Munich, 8pm)
  
  
• Austria vs. Turkey (Leipzig, 11pm)

Source: thenationalnews

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