Georgians stayed up late into the night to support the national soccer team, but their hopes of a second stunning upset came to an end as Spain beat the Caucasus nation’s squad 4-1 on June 30 at the Euro 2024 tournament in the last-16 knockout round. Georgia scored first with an own goal by Spain and it was deadlocked 1-1 at halftime in the game played in Cologne, Germany. But Spain scored three times in the second half to seal the victory. Tbilisi city authorities installed large-screen TVs and extended bus and subway services for those wishing to view the match, which began at 11 p.m. Georgian time. Georgia defeated a highly favored Portugal side 2-0 on June 26 to advance to the last 16. Portugal, which had already progressed to the next round, played mostly second-string players in that match. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Georgian Service, click here.
Georgians Stay Up Late To Watch, But Soccer Team's Euro 2024 Hopes Dashed
Georgian soccer fans cheer on the national team at the Euro 2024 tournament in Germany,