Georgia shocked Portugal with a superb 2-0 win to e book their place within the final 16 of Euro 2024 – their first main match.
Georgia’s job on the opening stage was easy – to beat Portugal and advance to the subsequent spherical. They did simply that, establishing a gathering with Spain in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.
With high spot in Group F already secured, Roberto Martinez made eight modifications to his Portugal staff – an element that little question contributed to their disjointed efficiency. Enhancements might be wanted once they face Slovenia in Frankfurt on Monday.
Georgia had no such issues, scoring inside two minutes when Hvica Kvaratchelia punished Antonio Silva’s mistake by pouncing on Georges Mikoutadze’s move and tucking the end behind Diogo Costa.
Silva was once more at fault for the second purpose, catching Luka Lohashvili within the space after extra sloppy defending from Portugal.
After a overview of the sphere, a penalty was awarded and Mikoutadze grew to become the match’s high goalscorer to cap off maybe the best night time in Georgian soccer historical past.
Star performer: Georges Mikautade
George Mikoutada’s three objectives make him the highest scorer of Euro 2024
Excluding personal objectives – there are already seven of them – Georges Mikoutadze grew to become the most effective scorer of the summer season match. Few might have predicted this when Euro 2024 started virtually two weeks in the past.
The French-born 23-year-old has now scored in every of Georgia’s three matches in Germany. He additionally claimed the help for Hvich Kvaratchelii, who ultimately sank Portugal.
Six months in the past, this story would have been unbelievable. Mikoutadze’s transfer to Ajax went horribly improper as he made simply three begins and failed to attain within the first half of the season.
In January, a mortgage to the previous membership “Mets” was organized. Mikoutadze shortly regained his type, scoring 12 objectives to make sure he arrives at Euro 2024 in high type.
Mikautadze now threatens to eclipse Kvaratchelia – Georgia’s star participant – as he makes a reputation for himself on the most important stage.
Martinez crafts whereas Ronaldo works
Cristiano Ronaldo has but to attain at Euro 2024
Criticism of Portugal might be tempered by the actual fact they already topped the group earlier than dealing with Georgia, however Roberto Martinez’s facet – with eight substitutes – ought to have been adequate to beat Willy Sagnol’s facet.
After abandoning the 3-4-3 formation that went awry in opposition to the Czech Republic within the win over Turkey, Martinez reverted to the system in Gelsenkirchen, changing Wolves’ star winger Pedro Neto at left-back.
It did not work. Neto was nameless whereas the again three of Antonio Silva, Goncalo Inacio and Danilo Pereira appeared weak each time Georgia attacked.
Though this sport just isn’t essential to Portugal’s progress in Group F, Cristiano Ronaldo began his third match in eight days.
The 39-year-old is clearly determined for his first purpose of this match, however not often appeared like breaking by Georgia’s defence.
Stripped of the explosiveness that helped make him an all-time nice, Ronaldo calls for favors from his teammates. However Portugal’s supply to the field was unsuccessful.
Martinez is certain to deliver these he rested again into the XI for Monday’s spherical of 16 tie with Slovenia. However Portugal is on the identical facet of the draw as Germany, Spain and France.
The supervisor must construct a system shortly and work out easy methods to get the most effective out of Ronaldo in order that he lives as much as his place on the helm of Portugal’s star-studded facet.
Kvaratkhelia: That is the most effective day in my life
Portugal the pinnacle Robert Martinez mentioned: “We did not underestimate Georgia, however Georgia performed their historical past and we performed the final sport once we have been first within the group.
“It was laborious for us to match the identical depth.”
Match winner Hvicha Kvaratcheliya mentioned: “I feel there was no particular person finest participant, it was the staff.
“We made historical past and no person will imagine that we’ll beat Portugal. However we confirmed everybody that the Georgian nationwide staff can do it.
“That is the most effective day of my life.”