Six things about Georgia, who beat Portugal to score the biggest upset of Euro 2024

SINGAPORE – Georgia’s national football team was little-known in the lead-up to Euro 2024, with all eyes placed on fellow Group F team Portugal, touted as one of the favourites for the title with their veteran superstar Cristiano Ronaldo at the helm.

But on June 26 (June 27, Singapore time) the unfancied side upset already-qualified Portugal 2-0 to finish third with four points, setting up a round of 16 clash with Spain on their tournament debut.

Who exactly is this underdog team, who come from a nation with a population of 3.7 million?

First major international tournament

Euro 2024 is Georgia’s first major footballing tournament in its history since independence. They were part of the Soviet Union from 1936 to 1991, and have not made any appearances in significant international competitions after becoming a sovereign state.

This made their results in the group stage of Euro 2024 more remarkable. Claiming a win, draw and loss each, the Georgians impressed fans worldwide with their resilience, and they showed few signs of inexperience despite stepping up to the European stage for the first time.

Rise after a fall

Things were not always positive for Georgia football. By 2015, the team had fallen outside the top 150 of the Fifa world rankings, with the sport seemingly in the doldrums as domestic football also hit rock bottom.

But with investment and multiple changes made to its football system, including more pitches, players and fans, the sport is on the rise again in the country. They are now ranked 74th in the world rankings.

Rebranding in 2022

One of those changes is the rebranding of the national team two years ago. The move was made to promote the idea of building a team with strong individuals who can complement one another and be responsible for their performances.

Georgian Football Federation vice-president Aleksandr Iashvili explained in an interview that in the past, individual quality did not translate into the team’s success, and with the new identity and motto “strength is in unity”, players are reminded to produce the best results to make the team stronger.

Deadly duo up front

During the tournament, Napoli winger Kvicha Kvaratskhelia has teamed up with Metz striker Georges Mikautadze to form a formidable strike force that tormented defenders.

Kvaratskhelia has been a joy to watch, displaying the qualities that has earned the winger the fan nickname “Kvara-dona” – a reference to the late Argentina hero Diego Maradona. He is responsible for keeping possession high up the field for the Georgians with his ball retention and dribbling ability.

Mikautadze, who scored thrice during the group stage, has a good understanding with his strike partner and poses a threat to defences with his physicality and runs.

Counter-attacking football

Georgia’s powerful counter-attacking football has been on display throughout the tournament. They have had less possession than their opponents in all three matches but were comfortable in those situations.

But when they win the ball back, they are constantly looking for opportunities to destroy their opponents in transition. Their goal against Portugal had Mikautadze picking up the loose ball and sending Kvaratskhelia through on goal.

Coach Willy Sagnol has set his team up to pounce on mistakes and finish their moves off while opposition defenders are scrambling back.

Bright future

While the country is currently going through political turmoil, with protests against the nation’s alignment with Moscow, its football is giving joy to Georgians.

Besides their strengths as a team, their star players are still youthful and have bright futures ahead of them. At 23, Kvaratskhelia is a mainstay at Napoli, and Mikautadze, who is the same age, has a long runway in the sport. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who made 11 saves against the Czech Republic, is also 23.

They will next face a tough challenge against title contenders Spain, but regardless of where they end up at Euro 2024, they have gained respect among football fans and are a team to look out in future.