Georgia Stuns Portugal To Qualify For Round Of 16 At Euro 2024

Georgian fans cheer on their team at the Euro 2024 soccer championship.

Georgia booked a place in the last 16 of Euro 2024 in their debut appearance at a major tournament with an early goal by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze's penalty for a 2-0 win over Portugal on June 26. Kvaratskhelia gave Georgia a shock lead against a second-string Portugal team with just over a minute on the clock at the stadium in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Mikautadze then ensured Georgia would claim the biggest soccer victory in the nation's history with a 57th-minute penalty. Portugal created several chances, but Georgia defended resolutely, countered at pace, and fully deserved their victory. The team finishes third in Group F and faces Spain in the last 16. Portugal had already qualified for the next round as group winners and will play Slovenia in the knockout round.