Georgia celebrates historic EURO victory against Portugal Georgia celebrates historic EURO victory against Portugal
Georgia achieved a historic victory at the European Football Championship last night. The team from the small Caucasus country defeated the reigning champion Portugal in a dramatic match with a score of 2:1. This triumph not only marks a milestone for Georgian football, but could also pave the way for a bright future.
Even before the game, it was clear that Georgia would enter the match as a clear underdog. Portugal, led by their superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, was considered a huge favorite. However, the Georgian team showed no fear and played bravely and determinedly from the start.
The first half was characterized by cautious approaches from both teams. Although Portugal dominated possession, they were unable to create clear scoring chances. Georgia defended tactically smartly and repeatedly launched dangerous counterattacks.In the 38th minute, the Georgian striker Giorgi Chakvetadze surprisingly scored the 1-0. A cleanly executed attack, crowned with a precise finish into the bottom right corner.
After this shock moment, Portugal woke up and pushed for the equalizer. But the Georgian defense stood firm and hardly allowed anything. The half-time ended with this surprising result.
The second half began with a true offensive by the Portuguese team. Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates put Georgia under tremendous pressure. In the 54th minute, it happened: after a cross from Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo headed the ball into the net unstoppable. The equalizer seemed to be only a matter of time.
However, Georgia once again showed fighting spirit and fought back. In the 77th minute, Giorgi Kvilitaia managed to calmly shoot the ball past the Portuguese goalkeeper after a dream pass from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.The second lead sparked unprecedented cheers and brought Georgian fans into ecstasy.
Portugal desperately tried to score again in the last minutes, but Georgia's deep defense held firm and confidently blocked all attacking efforts. After four minutes of stoppage time, the relieving final whistle sounded, and Georgia could celebrate the arguably greatest victory in its football history.
With this triumph, the Georgian national team has shown that it is capable of much more than previously expected. Coach Willy Sagnol, who had recently taken over the position, was now celebrated as a tactical genius. "It was an incredible team effort. Every player gave 110 percent," Sagnol said after the game. "We surprised Portugal, and that doesn't happen often."
Even on the streets of Tbilisi, the victory against Portugal was the number one topic of conversation. Thousands of fans spontaneously gathered at central locations in the city to celebrate the historic moment together. Fireworks lit up the night sky, and people danced and sang with joy.
Media worldwide reported on this sensational victory.The "Gazetta dello Sport" praised the "fearless fighting spirit" of the Georgian players, while "L'Équipe" spoke of a "magical night for Georgia". In Portugal, however, there was disbelief. The newspaper "A Bola" headlined: "Portugal in shock - shattered Euro dream?"
Apart from the joyful atmosphere in Georgia, experts are now raising the question of what long-term impact this victory could have. The march through the European Championship could give young talents an additional motivation boost and attract sponsors who have paid little attention to Georgian football so far.
Georgia already has the next important game ahead. Next Tuesday, the team will face Germany, which is also expected to be the favorite. But after the surprising victory against Portugal, the team is confident. Giorgi Chakvetadze emphasized: "Today we have proven that anything is possible in football.""We will also give everything against Germany."
One thing is certain: This historic victory will go down in the annals of Georgian football and will be remembered for a long time.
Author: Anita Faake, Thursday, June 27, 24.
