Four Things We Learnt from Georgia's Win Over Portugal
Georgia celebrate win over Portugal. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)


Willy Sagnol’s side captured the hearts of many with a shock qualification to the knockout rounds in their first major tournament.

The 2-0 triumph over Portugal will long live in the memory of Georgia fans as they continue to impress on the European stage.

Even though it was a complete performance by a Georgia, their defensive performance was probably the best Euro 2024 has had to offer so far.


It was an energy-personified performance by Georgia who showed a blend of discipline and desire. 

The early goal by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gave them a platform to defend upon. But the defensive resistance proved un-matched as they battled out to secure a clean-sheet.

Many plaudits will rightly go to Giorgi Mamardashvili who produced some top class saves to keep out Portugal. One save in particular to deny Diego Dalot from a shot heading to the top corner will certainly be a contender to save of the tournament.


Georgia’s five defenders and three midfielders worked tirelessly to disrupt Portugal’s rhythm, and on the ball they showed a desire to punish their opponents.

The three centre-backs left little room for Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix and Francisco Conceicao to work with as the ball would somehow be thumped clear.

If Georgia are able to shun out the quality of Portugal then maybe a win against Spain will not be impossible.

Having written history, Georgia will feel they have every chance of adding another chapter to their warming success story.

Georges Mikautadze is the real deal


The Metz striker has relished his nation’s debut at the European Championships as he tops the goal scoring charts for the group stage.


Georges Mikautadze sits on three goals which is the most of any player so far in Euro 2024. His penalty goal versus Portugal helped ensure a vital three points for Georgia.

But he is much more than just a goal scorer, the 23-year-old was instrumental in the first goal with a perfectly weighted pass to tee up Kvaratskhelia.

The striker also boasts a tireless work rate with countless runs and despite his small frame he continued to hold the ball up to alleviate pressure. In addition, Mikautadze showed impressive dribbling skills to drive his nation up the pitch.

With many of Europe's best searching for a striker, maybe the Georgian will be on their radar following a sensational tournament so far.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s frustration continues to grow

It was fair to say Ronaldo let his temper get the better of him in a difficult night in Gelsenkirchen.


The 39-year-old had to make the most of half-chances and scraps as a resolute Georgia defence stood solid.

The Portuguese icon felt aggrieved after he not being awarded a penalty following slight contact in the penalty area.

Ronaldo was soon booked for descent and his night was worsened as his close range effort was miraculously blocked by Lasha Dvali.

Roberto Martinez decided Ronaldo had ran his race after 66 minutes as Gonçalo Ramos replaced him.

The end of the group stage means the Euro 2020 Golden Boot winner has gone three games without netting so far in Germany.

It was a night to forget for Antonio Silva

The Benfica prospect had built up a strong reputation for his defensive qualities as many European giants are believed to be admirers in the centre-back.

But the 20-year-old had a night to forget in only his eight cap for Portugal.


The right sided defender marked his European Championship debut with a horror mistake within two minutes.

With little pressure, Antonio Silva’s failed attempt at a back pass was intercepted by the in-form Mikautadze who set up Kvaratskhelia for the opening goal.

Silva soon implied more misery on himself as he caught the trailing leg of Luka Lochoshvilli in the penalty area.

The youngster’s challenge was waved off by the referee but VAR intervened and the penalty was soon awarded which lead to Georgia gaining a 2-0 lead.