Despite all their dominance, Portugal’s B team was unable to break through. Cristiano Ronaldo and his colleagues will now face Slovenia. The underdog, who qualified for the finals via the Nations League play-offs in the last game, got off to a lightning start in Gelsenkirchen. After a mistake by Antonio Silva, Mikautadze launched the perfect counterattack, and Kwarazchelia scored precisely into the far corner (2′). After that, it was almost only the 2016 European champions who played, and eleven attempts up to half-time brought no results.
After the early group victory, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez left only goalkeeper Diogo Costa and midfielder Joao Palhinha in the starting eleven, alongside star Ronaldo. However, there were not many clear scoring opportunities against the Georgian human wall.
Best-of: Georgien – Portugal
In the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen, Georgia surprisingly beat fixed starters Portugal 2-0 and is now also in the round of 16.
Close misses by Francisco Conceicao (28th) and Joao Felix (30th) demonstrated the superiority, and Giorgi Gwelessiani threw himself in at the last moment to prevent Ronaldo from scoring a rare goal (35th). A pinball that landed at Ronaldo’s feet was also blocked by a back (46th).
Passionate performance
The “Crusaders” had to work hard, but continued seamlessly from their passionate performances against Turkey (1:3) and the Czech Republic (1:1). Giorgi Mamardashvili was again a reliable support. The equalizer seemed only a matter of time, however, when Antonio Silva stepped on the foot of former WAC player Luka Lotschoschwili in the penalty area. After VAR intervention, Mikautadze confidently converted the penalty (57th minute). The Metz striker now leads the European Championship scorers list with three goals.
Georgia – Portugal: 2-0 Mikautadze (57th/penalty)
After Luka Lotschoshvili falls in the penalty area due to a foul by Antonio Silva, Georges Mikautadze converts the penalty to make it 2-0 for Georgia.
Otar Kiteischwili was in the starting eleven for his first European Championship appearance. The creative player from Sturm Graz had previously had to sit out due to injury and now worked for 90 minutes – traditionally in a more defensive role in central midfield. Sandro Altunaschwili from WAC watched the passionately fought success from the substitutes’ bench.
Still waiting for Ronaldo
Ronaldo, who is still waiting for his first goal at the European Championship finals, was gesticulating in increasing annoyance. The superstar, who defended robustly, repeatedly called for a penalty, but was denied it. The game was over after 65 minutes. Substitutes Diogo Jota and Goncalo Ramos were also no match for the Georgians, who celebrated exuberantly afterwards.
Voices about the game:
Chwitscha Quarazchelia (Georgia goalscorer): “This is the happiest day of my life. We did it. I told everyone that we can do it. We are a top team and can fight like lions against any opponent.”
Robert Martinez (Portugal coach): “It’s a defeat. We started with low intensity and conceded an early goal, which is exactly what Georgia needed. We weren’t clear enough with the final pass and in front of the goal, and their goalkeeper did a great job. They deserved to win. Their coach did a wonderful job.”
Pedro Neto (Portugal player): “The lesson is that we cannot rest in any game. It is difficult when you start the game trailing. We will work to put this defeat behind us and look forward to the next game (against Slovenia, ed.).”
UEFA Euro 2024, Group F, third matchday
Wednesday:
Georgia – Portugal 2:0 (1:0)
Gelsenkirchen, 49,600 spectators, SR Schärer (SUI)
Tore:
1:0 (2.) Kwarazchelia
2:0 (57.) Mikautadse
Georgia: Mamardaschwili – Kakabadse, Gwelessiani (76./Kwirkwelia), Kaschia, Lotschoschwili (63./Zitaischwili), Dwali – Tschakwetadse (81./Mekwabischwili), Kotschoraschwili, Kiteischwili – Mikautadse, Kwarazchelia (81./Dawitaschwili)
Portugal: Costa – Dalot, Pereira, Silva (66./Semedo), Inacio – Neto (75./Jota), Palhinha (46./R. Neves), J. Neves (Nunes) – Conceicao, Ronaldo (66./Ramos), Felix
Yellow cards: Mekwabishvili and Ronaldo, Neto
