European Football Championship - "Like lions": Georgia celebrates historic victory
The Georgian substitutes, trainers, and staff stormed onto the field and celebrated with their completely exhausted teammates before the enthusiastic home crowd the historic win. Delighted, trainer Willy Sagnol congratulated his proud heroes, who as tournament newcomers managed to reach the quarterfinals at the Football European Championship.
"I am very happy today. We made it", said the player of the match and top scorer Chwischa Kwaratschelia after the surprising 2:0 (1:0) against Portugal in Gelsenkirchen. "I told everyone we could do it. We are a top team and can fight like lions against any opponent."
Kwaratschelia (2nd minute) and Georges Mikautadze (57/penalty) became football heroes in their homeland. As third in Group F, Georgia faces Spain in the Round of 16 on Sunday in Cologne.
For Georgia, it was the first win at an EM. "I am particularly happy because they deserve it", said the German record-national player Lothar Matthäus at MagentaTV. Portugal had already been confirmed as group winners before the game. In the quarterfinals, the Portuguese play against Slovenia on Monday in Frankfurt am Main.
Georgia makes dream start
From Portugal's starting lineup from the 3:0 against Turkey four days earlier, only goalkeeper Diogo Costa, EM record player Ronaldo, and midfielder João Palhinha were in the starting formation. That was noticeable. The team changed eight positions and started the game poorly.
Mikautadze played Kwaratschelia free with a precise pass, and the Georgian team's star from SSC Napoli scored the 1:0 after just 91 seconds. Kneeling, the 23-year-old allowed himself to be celebrated by the Georgian home crowd. The trainers gathered around the former Bayern footballer Sagnol at the sidelines.
With the lead in their backs, the Georgians retreated and tried to quickly switch after winning the ball. Portugal took control of the midfield, but found few options against the well-organized five-defender defensive line of the opponent. The first scoring chance fell to Ronaldo, who shot powerfully but inaccurately, unable to seriously challenge the Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardaschwili.
Kwaratschelia fulfills a dream
João Félix and Ronaldo had more opportunities for the favorite. Félix missed the mark, and Ronaldo's shot was blocked at the last moment. On the Georgian side, they were dangerous in transition moments. The very agile Kwaratschelia, who gave his best performance of the tournament, could not be contained by the Portuguese. The highly talented offensive player reached the goal with the kick-off itself. "I have always dreamed of playing against Cristiano Ronaldo", Kwaratschelia had said before the game.
The two players with the number seven remained the main actors even after the break. First, a failed attempt from Ronaldo hit the crossbar, then Kwaratschelia missed his second goal because he didn't hit the ball right.
Ronaldo reacts angrily [
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Stürmer Mikautadze improved from the penalty spot. António Silva brought Luka Lotschoshwili down in the box, according to the video images, Swiss referee Sandro Schärer accordingly called for a penalty. For the 23-year-old Mikautadze, it was already the third goal at this EM - the second from a penalty.
Ronaldo's turn was next. Upon being substituted, the five-time Champions League winner made no secret of his frustration. Visibly displeased, he left the pitch. His next opportunity to score at his sixth European championship now lies in the Round of 16.
Georgia's victory celebration continued, with trainer Willy Sagnol joining in, proud of his team's impressive performance as tournament newcomers reaching the quarterfinals at the European Football Championship. Kwaratschelia, named player of the match and top scorer, expressed his joy, believing in their abilities to be a top team and compete against any opponent.
Georgia's lineup for the Round of 16 match against Spain in Cologne included key players from their historic win. While Portugal confidently proceeded to face Slovenia in the quarterfinals in Frankfurt am Main, their starting lineup showed significant changes from their previous game against Turkey.
With a well-organized defensive line, Georgia successfully hindered Portugal's attacks, led by Ronaldo, appearing frustrated after being substituted due to their poor performance. Mikautadze, on the other hand, continued to impress with his agility and high-quality play, fulfilling his dream of playing against the renowned Portuguese star.
