GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany — Georgia pulled off one of the biggest upsets in European Championship history on Wednesday, beating Portugal 2-0 to reach the round of 16.
Georgia needed a win to qualify for the knockout stages of Euro 2024 and took the lead after just 93 seconds, when Georgi Mikoutadze intercepted a pass and Khubica Kvaratskelia smashed in a low shot.
Antonio Silva lost the ball before the first goal and then brought down Luka Rokhosvili in the penalty area for the second, giving away a penalty, before Georges Mikhautadze smashed the spot-kick low in the 57th minute, beating Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Portuguese great Cristiano Ronaldo felt he deserved a penalty in the first half, but kicked a water bottle away as he was substituted in the 66th minute.
Georgia, making their major tournament debut, advanced as one of the favourites to finish third, while Portugal had already qualified from Group F after winning their first two matches.
Turkey beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in the other group game, advancing while the Czechs were eliminated.
Georgia’s win also eliminated Hungary, who finished third in Group A.
