Georgia National Football Team Vs Portugal National Football Team Lineups

by karan — March 11, 2025 in Football

In the storied history of European football, few moments capture the essence of the beautiful game quite like an underdog triumph.

The georgia national football team vs portugal national football team lineups presented a mismatch on paper that seemed almost unfair.

On one side stood Portugal – a footballing powerhouse, former European champions, and a team brimming with world-class talent including the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo.

On the other, Georgia – ranked 74th in the world, making their debut appearance at a major tournament, and with a fraction of the resources and experience of their illustrious opponents.

What unfolded at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen would become the stuff of footballing folklore. Within just 93 seconds, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia stunned the Portuguese with an opportunistic strike that sent Georgian fans into delirium.

Rather than crumbling under the inevitable Portuguese pressure, Georgia doubled their advantage through a Georges Mikautadze penalty and produced a defensive masterclass to secure a 2-0 victory.

This wasn’t just a win; it was a seismic moment in Georgian sporting history and one of the greatest upsets in European Championship history.

Georgia National Football Team Vs Portugal National Football Team Lineups

The Georgia national football team vs Portugal national football team lineups told a tale that transcended tactics and talent – it was a story of belief, determination, and the magic that makes football the world’s most beloved sport.

This comprehensive guide will explore every facet of this remarkable match, from the players who made it happen to the tactical nuances that enabled the impossible to become reality.

The Road to Gelsenkirchen

To fully appreciate the magnitude of Georgia’s achievement, we must understand the contrasting journeys of both teams to Euro 2024:

Georgia’s Qualifying Journey

Qualified through the UEFA Nations League Path C playoffs
Defeated Luxembourg in the semi-final
Overcame Greece in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final
First-ever qualification for a major tournament in Georgian history
Entered Euro 2024 with the lowest FIFA ranking (74th) among all participants

Georgia’s path to Euro 2024 was already considered a remarkable achievement. After failing to qualify directly through the conventional qualifying groups, they took advantage of the Nations League pathway. Their playoff victory against Greece, secured via penalties, sparked celebrations across Georgia and represented a significant milestone for football in the country.

Few expected Georgia to make much impact at the tournament itself, with simply being there considered success enough. They entered Group F alongside Turkey, Portugal, and Czechia as overwhelming underdogs, with most experts predicting an early exit.

Portugal’s Qualifying Dominance

Won all ten matches in their qualifying group
Scored 36 goals while conceding just 2
Entered the tournament as one of the favorites to win the title
Boasted a squad filled with players from Europe’s elite clubs
Led by Cristiano Ronaldo, appearing in his record sixth European Championship

Portugal’s qualifying campaign had been nothing short of flawless. Their perfect record demonstrated their quality and depth, establishing them as one of the teams to beat at Euro 2024. With Roberto Martinez at the helm, they had evolved into a more attacking unit while maintaining defensive solidity.

The contrast between the two teams’ journeys could hardly have been starker. Portugal arrived with expectations of going deep into the tournament, while Georgia were simply happy to be part of the occasion.

Pre-Match Analysis and Expectations

The build-up to the match focused heavily on the perceived mismatch:

Bookmakers’ odds heavily favored Portugal
Media coverage portrayed it as a formality for Portugal
Georgia was given virtually no chance by football pundits
The focus was primarily on how many goals Portugal might score
Questions centered on whether Ronaldo would break more records

Even the most optimistic Georgian supporters would have struggled to envision what was about to unfold. The consensus was that Georgia would set up defensively and hope to keep the score respectable, with Portugal expected to dominate possession and eventually break down their resistance.

Georgia’s coach Willy Sagnol, however, had other ideas. The former Bayern Munich defender had instilled a belief and tactical discipline in his side that would prove crucial in what was to come.

Georgia XI: The Heroes of Gelsenkirchen

Georgia’s starting lineup was a perfect blend of tactical awareness, defensive resilience, and counter-attacking threat. Let’s analyze each player’s contribution to this historic victory:

Mamardashvili – The Wall

Giorgi Mamardashvili produced a goalkeeping masterclass against Portugal:

Made seven crucial saves, including a spectacular stop from Dalot’s long-range effort
Commanded his penalty area with authority and confidence
Showed exceptional positioning and reflexes throughout
Maintained concentration despite long periods of Portuguese possession
Provided vocal leadership to organize Georgia’s defensive shape

The Valencia goalkeeper has been steadily building his reputation in European football, and his performance against Portugal showcased his quality on the biggest stage. His calmness under pressure transmitted to the defenders in front of him, giving Georgia a solid foundation upon which to build their historic victory.

At just 23 years old, Mamardashvili represents the future of Georgian football. His journey from Dinamo Tbilisi to becoming first-choice at Valencia and starring for his country demonstrates the increasing quality of players emerging from Eastern Europe.

Gvelesiani – The Rock

At the heart of Georgia’s defense, Gvelesiani was imperious:

Made multiple vital clearances as Portugal bombarded Georgia’s box
Showed excellent positional awareness to cut out crosses
Demonstrated physical strength in duels with Portuguese attackers
Maintained the defensive line discipline crucial to Georgia’s approach
Led by example with his committed defending

Alongside captain Jonathan Gwineli, Gvelesiani formed a formidable central defensive partnership that frustrated Portugal’s star-studded attack. His no-nonsense approach to defending epitomized Georgia’s resilience and determination to secure a historic result.

When he was eventually substituted for Kvirkvelia, Gvelesiani had already made an enormous contribution to Georgia’s defensive effort. The change provided fresh legs as Georgia looked to see out their advantage against increasingly desperate Portuguese attacks.

Kakabadze – The Sentinel

In Georgia’s defensive system, Kakabadze provided width and defensive stability:

Maintained positional discipline to prevent Portugal exploiting wide areas
Made important interceptions and tackles on Portugal’s wingers
Supported counter-attacks when opportunities arose
Worked tirelessly to track runners from Portugal’s midfield
Showed excellent game management as the match progressed

As Portugal dominated possession and looked to attack down the flanks, Kakabadze’s defensive discipline was repeatedly tested. He responded admirably, refusing to be drawn out of position and making timely interventions when required.

His disciplined performance was crucial in nullifying Portugal’s wide threats and contributed significantly to Georgia’s defensive solidity. While not grabbing headlines, his work rate and tactical understanding were vital components in Georgia’s historic victory.

Kochorashvili – The Engine

In midfield, Kochorashvili delivered a performance of remarkable industry and tactical intelligence:

Broke up Portuguese attacks with well-timed tackles and interceptions
Provided a vital link between defense and attack
Maintained positional discipline to protect the back line
Showed great awareness in closing down spaces
Made a crucial headed clearance following Inacio’s giveaway

Kochorashvili embodied Georgia’s collective work ethic, covering enormous ground to disrupt Portugal’s passing rhythm. His tireless running and positional intelligence were crucial in Georgia’s containment of Portugal’s creative midfielders.

His contribution wasn’t limited to defensive duties. Whenever Georgia regained possession, Kochorashvili was instrumental in transitioning from defense to attack, helping to launch counter-attacks that kept Portugal’s defense honest throughout the match.

Chakvetadze – The Creator

Giorgi Chakvetadze provided Georgia with creativity and composure in possession:

Converted a crucial penalty with remarkable calmness
Offered Georgia an outlet under pressure
Displayed good technical ability when in possession
Created several dangerous counter-attacking opportunities
Worked tirelessly in both attacking and defensive phases

In a match where Georgia had limited possession, Chakvetadze maximized his touches on the ball, making them count with purposeful passes and movement. His ability to retain possession under pressure gave Georgia valuable respite during periods of intense Portuguese pressure.

His penalty conversion demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure. With the eyes of the football world upon him, Chakvetadze stepped up and delivered, doubling Georgia’s advantage and placing them firmly in control of this historic encounter.

Kiteishvili – The Workhorse

Kiteishvili’s performance exemplified Georgia’s collective work ethic and tactical discipline:

Maintained Georgia’s defensive structure throughout the match
Showed great energy and commitment in both defense and attack
Nearly scored with a shot that hit the side netting
Closed down Portugal’s midfield options effectively
Made several crucial interceptions in dangerous areas

His willingness to track back and support the defense while also offering an outlet in attack epitomized Georgia’s approach. Kiteishvili’s understanding of when to press and when to hold position was crucial in Georgia’s defensive strategy, disrupting Portugal’s passing patterns and forcing them into mistakes.

Throughout the match, Kiteishvili maintained his focus and discipline, refusing to be drawn out of position. This resilience under pressure was a defining characteristic of Georgia’s performance and a key factor in their historic victory.

Lochoshvili – The Warrior

Luka Lochoshvili’s physical presence and defensive awareness were valuable assets for Georgia:

Was involved in a key incident with Ronaldo that highlighted Georgia’s physical approach
Made crucial blocks and clearances throughout the match
Maintained Georgia’s defensive line with excellent positioning
Won the penalty that led to Georgia’s second goal
Showed tremendous determination and bravery in defensive situations

The incident with Ronaldo, where the Portuguese star appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty after Lochoshvili’s push, exemplified Georgia’s no-nonsense defending. This physical, determined approach successfully disrupted Portugal’s rhythm and contributed to their growing frustration.

Lochoshvili’s disciplined positioning and timely interventions were crucial in Georgia’s defensive organization. When Portugal applied pressure, particularly in the second half, he remained calm and focused, making crucial clearances and blocks to preserve Georgia’s lead.

Mikautadze – The Finisher

As Georgia’s central striker, Mikautadze provided both a goal threat and an important outlet:

Doubled Georgia’s advantage with a well-taken penalty
Held up play effectively against Portugal’s defenders
Made intelligent runs into channels to stretch the defense
Demonstrated good link-up play with teammates
Offered Georgia a crucial outlet when under pressure

His ability to lead the line and provide an outlet for Georgia’s counter-attacks was crucial in their victory. As a forward playing for Metz, Mikautadze has demonstrated his versatility, capable of playing as a central striker or in a supporting role.

Against Portugal, his ability to hold up the ball and bring teammates into play gave Georgia valuable respite when under pressure. His intelligent movement and clinical finishing made him a constant concern for Portugal’s defense, even during long periods without the ball.

Kvaratskhelia – The Star

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia emerged as the star performer for Georgia:

Scored the opening goal after just 93 seconds
Exploited Antonio Silva’s mistake with clinical finishing
Provided a constant counter-attacking threat with his pace and dribbling
Nearly doubled his tally with a shot that hit the side netting
Showed his world-class quality throughout the match

The Napoli star’s early goal set the tone for Georgia’s performance and gave them the confidence to believe in their ability to secure a historic result. His technical ability, pace, and clinical finishing made him the standout performer in this memorable encounter.

Kvaratskhelia’s reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting talents has been growing since his move to Napoli, and his performance against Portugal demonstrated why. His ability to make an impact on the biggest stage showcased both his individual quality and his importance to Georgia’s national team.

Tactical Masterclass: Sagnol’s Blueprint for the Impossible

Georgia’s coach Willy Sagnol deserves immense credit for preparing his team perfectly for this challenge:

Tactical Aspect	Georgia’s Approach	Effectiveness Against Portugal
Defensive Shape	5-4-1 deep block	Denied Portugal space between lines
Pressing Triggers	Selective, position-based	Conserved energy while disrupting rhythm
Transitions	Quick, direct counter-attacks	Exploited Portugal’s high defensive line
Set Pieces	Disciplined defense, targeted attack	Minimized Portugal’s height advantage
Game Management	Time management, tactical fouls	Disrupted Portugal’s flow and momentum

Sagnol’s tactical plan was executed to perfection by his players. The former France international recognized that attempting to match Portugal in an open, possession-based game would be suicidal. Instead, he designed a game plan that maximized Georgia’s strengths and exploited Portugal’s potential weaknesses.

Key elements of Georgia’s tactical approach included:

Compact defensive block: Georgia defended in a disciplined 5-4-1 formation, with minimal space between lines making it difficult for Portugal to play through them.
Counter-attacking focus: Georgia recognized that their best opportunities would come in transition, with quick, direct attacks exploiting the spaces left by Portugal’s attacking players.
Disciplined pressing: Rather than pressing high and risking fatigue, Georgia waited for specific triggers before engaging, conserving energy and maintaining their shape.
Set-piece organization: Both defensively and offensively, Georgia were well-drilled at set-pieces, recognizing their importance in games where possession is limited.
Psychological resilience: Perhaps most importantly, Sagnol instilled a belief that the seemingly impossible was achievable, creating a fearless mentality among his players.

This approach perfectly countered Portugal’s possession-based game. Despite having technically gifted players, Portugal struggled to break down Georgia’s organized defense, often resorting to speculative shots from distance that were comfortably dealt with by Mamardashvili.

Defining Moments: The Path to Victory

Several key moments shaped the course of this historic encounter:

The Early Strike: 93 Seconds of Magic

Kvaratskhelia scored after just 93 seconds of play
The goal came from Antonio Silva’s defensive error
The Napoli star finished with remarkable composure
The early goal allowed Georgia to implement their defensive game plan
Portuguese confidence was immediately shaken

This early goal was the perfect start for Georgia, allowing them to settle into their defensive shape and forcing Portugal to chase the game. The goal demonstrated Kvaratskhelia’s quality and alertness, pouncing on Silva’s error and finishing clinically past the Portuguese goalkeeper.

The early strike stunned the Portuguese team and their supporters while galvanizing the Georgian players and fans. It created the ideal scenario for Georgia’s tactical approach and laid the foundation for what was to follow.

The Penalty Decision: VAR Intervention

Silva fouled Lochoshvili inside the box
Initially missed by the referee but reviewed by VAR
Clear contact confirmed the penalty decision
Mikautadze converted with confidence and precision
Georgia’s advantage was doubled at a crucial time

The penalty conversion gave Georgia breathing room and forced Portugal to become even more desperate in their attacks. Mikautadze showed remarkable composure to convert the spot-kick, effectively placing Georgia in control of a match few gave them any chance of winning.

This second goal further frustrated Portugal and increased their sense of urgency, leading to more direct but less controlled attacking play. Georgia’s two-goal cushion allowed them to defend with even greater discipline and confidence.

Ronaldo’s Frustration: The Symbol of Portugal’s Struggle

Portugal’s star player visibly frustrated throughout
Had a penalty appeal rejected after Lochoshvili’s challenge
Substituted in the 66th minute
Reacted angrily, kicking water bottles as he left the pitch
Embodied Portugal’s collective inability to break through

Ronaldo’s visible frustration symbolized Portugal’s collective inability to break down Georgia’s organized defense. His substitution in the 66th minute marked a low point in what had been a difficult evening for the Portuguese icon.

The sight of Ronaldo kicking water bottles as he left the field encapsulated Portugal’s frustration. Despite their technical superiority and dominance of possession, they were unable to find a way through Georgia’s resolute defense, leading to increasing desperation as the match progressed.

The Final Whistle: History Made

Confirmed Georgia’s historic victory
Sparked wild celebrations among players and fans
Secured Georgia’s place in the last 16
Created an iconic moment in European Championship history
Completed one of football’s greatest tournament upsets

When the referee blew the final whistle, the magnitude of Georgia’s achievement became reality. The players celebrated wildly, understanding the significance of what they had accomplished. For a nation making its debut at a major tournament, defeating Portugal and qualifying for the knockout stages represented an extraordinary achievement.

The scenes of jubilation among the Georgian players and supporters captured the emotion of the moment. This wasn’t just a football victory; it was a national triumph that would be remembered for generations.

Statistical Breakdown: The Numbers Behind the Miracle

The match statistics tell a fascinating story about how Georgia achieved their victory:

Statistic	Georgia	Portugal	Significance
Possession	31%	69%	Georgia is comfortable without the ball
Shots	8	17	Portugal was wasteful with chances
Shots on Target	4	7	Georgia’s clinical finishing
Corners	3	9	Georgia defended set pieces well
Fouls	14	8	Georgia’s physical approach
Yellow Cards	2	1	Disciplined despite physical approach
Distance Covered	112 km	107 km	Georgia’s superior work rate

These statistics highlight the contrast in approaches. Portugal dominated possession and created more chances but lacked the cutting edge to convert them. Georgia were efficient with their limited opportunities and worked harder collectively, covering more ground despite having far less of the ball.

The numbers confirm what was evident to anyone watching: this wasn’t a fluke victory based on luck, but rather a triumph of tactical discipline, clinical finishing, and collective determination over individual brilliance.

The Impact: Beyond Football

Georgia’s victory over Portugal transcended sport:

National Pride: Created a moment of collective joy across Georgia
Political Significance: Unified a nation facing various challenges
Economic Boost: Increased tourism interest and global awareness
Sporting Legacy: Inspired a new generation of Georgian footballers
Cultural Impact: Became part of Georgian national identity

For a country with a population of just 3.7 million, this victory represented far more than a sporting achievement. It became a symbol of national identity and pride, showing that Georgia could compete and succeed on the global stage.

The scenes in Tbilisi and other Georgian cities as fans celebrated through the night demonstrated the unifying power of sport. Political differences were temporarily forgotten as Georgians from all walks of life shared in this collective moment of national joy.

Georgian Football: A Rising Force

Georgia’s victory wasn’t entirely without foundation:

Youth Development: Increased investment in academies over the past decade
Diaspora Players: Georgian talents developing in European leagues
Tactical Evolution: Moving beyond physical, direct football
Infrastructure Improvements: Better facilities and coaching education
Success at Youth Level: Increasingly competitive in age-group tournaments

While still a small nation in footballing terms, Georgia has been making steady progress in recent years. The emergence of talents like Kvaratskhelia at Napoli has raised the profile of Georgian football and demonstrated that the country can produce world-class players.

This tournament success will accelerate that development, inspiring more young Georgians to take up the sport and opening doors for existing talents to move to bigger clubs and leagues. The long-term impact on Georgian football could be transformative.

FAQs on Georgia National Football Team Vs Portugal National Football Team Lineups:

When did Georgia score their first goal against Portugal?

Georgia took the lead after just 93 seconds through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who capitalized on Antonio Silva’s mistake to score the opening goal.

Who was Georgia’s standout player in the match?

While the entire team performed admirably, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia stood out with his early goal and constant threat, while goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili made several crucial saves.

How did Cristiano Ronaldo react to being substituted?

Ronaldo showed visible frustration when substituted in the 66th minute, kicking water bottles in anger as he left the pitch after a disappointing performance.

What was Georgia’s ranking before the Euro 2024 tournament?

Georgia was ranked 74th in the FIFA rankings before Euro 2024, making them one of the lowest-ranked teams in the tournament.

Who did Georgia face in the knockout stages?

After qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams, Georgia faced another third-placed team in the last 16 of Euro 2024.

Was this Georgia’s first appearance in a major tournament?

Yes, Euro 2024 marked Georgia’s first-ever appearance in a major international tournament, making their qualification for the knockout stages even more remarkable.

Who was Georgia’s coach during this historic victory?

Willy Sagnol, a former Bayern Munich defender, was Georgia’s coach. His tactical approach and ability to organize the team were crucial factors in their success.

How many goals did Georgia score against Portugal?

Georgia scored two goals against Portugal – an early strike from Kvaratskhelia and a penalty converted by Mikautadze.

What tactics did Georgia employ against Portugal?

Georgia adopted a deep defensive block with a 5-4-1 formation, focusing on maintaining their shape and looking to counter-attack when opportunities arose.

How did Portugal’s possession compare to Georgia’s?

Portugal dominated possession with approximately 69% of the ball, while Georgia had just 31% but made more effective use of their limited time in possession.

Lessons from Gelsenkirchen

Georgia’s victory offers several important lessons for football and beyond:

Belief is powerful: Georgia’s players believed in themselves and their approach
Collective over individual: Georgia’s team ethic overcame Portugal’s stars
Tactical discipline matters: Perfect execution of a game plan can overcome technical disadvantages
Moments define tournaments: Taking chances when they come is crucial
Nothing is impossible: Pre-match predictions and rankings mean nothing once the game begins

These lessons extend beyond football into life itself. Georgia’s achievement reminds us that with proper preparation, belief, and execution, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome. It’s a sporting fairy tale that will inspire not just Georgians, but underdogs everywhere.

The match also offers tactical insights for modern football, highlighting the continuing effectiveness of well-organized defensive structures against possession-based teams. Despite the evolution of the game, some fundamental principles remain unchanged.

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Conclusion:

The georgia national football team vs portugal national football team lineups presented a contrast that few expected to end in Georgian victory.

This wasn’t just a football match; it was a demonstration of how tactical discipline, collective effort, and belief can overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.

In the storied history of the European Championships, few results have been as surprising or as inspiring as Georgia’s triumph over Portugal.

For a nation making their debut at a major tournament, defeating a former champion led by one of the greatest players of all time represents an achievement that transcends sport.

The images of Georgian players celebrating with their ecstatic fans at the final whistle will live long in football memory.

Kvaratskhelia’s opportunistic early strike, Mamardashvili’s heroics in goal, and the collective defensive resilience showed that football remains a game where the seemingly impossible can become reality.

As Georgia progressed to the knockout stages, they carried with them not just their dreams but the hearts of neutral fans everywhere who love an underdog story.

Their victory serves as a powerful reminder that in football, as in life, anything is possible when determination, belief, and teamwork come together.

The miracle of Gelsenkirchen will be remembered whenever great tournament upsets are discussed. It has earned its place in European Championship folklore and will inspire generations of Georgian players and fans.

The georgia national football team vs portugal national football team lineups told a tale of David defeating Goliath, adding another chapter to football’s rich tapestry of memorable upsets and unforgettable moments.

Georgia National Football Team Vs Portugal National Football Team Lineups