Georgia have survived two disappointing losses against Turkiye and Czechia to still maintain hopes of reaching the knockout stage, and face Portugal in Gelsenkirchen still hoping for an upset against Martinez’s side. Can they outwit them and cause an unexpected result?
Georgia took the lead through Kvaratskhelia’s sublime goal, driving it across Costa and into the far corner for a victory-clinching striker to score. Here we will discuss the main points of Georgia National Football Team Vs Portugal National Football Team Lineups and top players of these teams.
1. Giorgi Mamardashvili
With just two minutes remaining in Gelsenkirchen, Portugal are on the attack again as Pedro Neto is booked for diving near the edge of their box and then worked back towards Palhinha who attempts a low shot that Mamardashvili deflects wide.
Georgia remain resilient despite giving away more possession and creating few chances. Their efforts were rewarded when Mikautadze scored from close range for Georgia to give its nation hope, sending Georgia into half-time with two goals ahead and the crowd cheering them on to celebrate a first ever last-16 appearance at any major tournament. Portugal appear frustrated and have yet to break past Georgia’s backline; their second half play now seems more focused around pride rather than points; victory would see them top their group and secure progression into knockout rounds.
2. Gvelesiani
Kvicha Kvaratskhelia’s magnificent low shot gave Georgia an unforgettable night in Gelsenkirchen. Although Georgia averaged the least possession during Euro qualifying, their team still made an impactful statement and reached their first ever knockout stage.
Antonio Silva at the back post attempts a header, but it deflects wide for a goal kick. Moments later, Joao Felix attempts a half-volley but it’s blocked away.
Roberto Martinez will likely make changes with Rafael Leao serving his one-game suspension and Joao Palhinha and Francisco Conceicao just one booking away from suspensions; Neves remains unavailable due to injury; but Cristiano Ronaldo should remain part of the starting eleven.
3. Kashia
Georgia caused one of the biggest upsets at Euro 2024 as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze’s goals propelled Georgia into the knockout rounds for their maiden major tournament appearance, along with eliminating Turkey and Czech Republic from contention.
Roberto Martinez makes eight changes to Portugal’s starting XI, with knockout stage qualification already assured and captain Cristiano Ronaldo beginning on the bench. Joao Felix, Paulinha and Neves all earn starts instead.
Georgia produced an outstanding counterattack as Kvaratskhelia beat two defenders before setting up Kiteishvili for an attempt on goal, however his shot went wide of its target. Another impressive move by Mikautadze saw Kakabadze slip a pass through for Mikautadze whose attempt rebounded off of side-netting before hitting out of bounds for Kakabadze to score again before Portugal tried their hardest to claw their way back in but their efforts were saved or blocked by Georgia defense.
4. Kakabadze
Portugal can rest their more-prominent players against Georgia, who have everything to gain by winning this match-up and taking first place in their group – an win would guarantee a quarter-final matchup with either Turkiye or Czechia!
Mamardashvili pulls off an outstanding save as he deflects away Dalot’s long-range effort, before the ball falls to Mikautadze and ultimately played into Kochorashvili who’s cross is blocked by Mamardashvili.
Jota attempts to play Ronaldo a pass, but the task proves too challenging for the 39-year-old goalkeeper. Additionally, Ronaldo took an aggressive shot which required Jota’s save in order for it to go through and hit its target.
5. Kochorashvili
Gelsenkirchen hosts its Euro 2024 clash between Georgia and Portugal for Euro 2024 qualification, starting with national anthems being played for each game. Georgia can win their group with victory here; Portugal are likely to face changes with players having come off international duty having recently become members.
Early on in the game is fairly quiet with both teams sharing possession without creating clear-cut chances. Georgia launch a break and find Kvaratskhelia who manages a pass that ends up hitting him directly – however his shot misses its target by some distance.
Ronaldo begins Portugal’s attack with a free-kick, but its delivery was wasteful and hopeful; Mamardashvili punched it away for a corner kick. Neves then sent in a cross which was cleared for goal kick due to Georgia’s resilient defence; Portugal will need something extraordinary from Ronaldo or Neves in order to score here.
6. Chakvetadze
Georgia’s chances of reaching the knockout stage may seem all but over after they lost to Turkey and tied Czechia in their opening two group matches, but victory against Portugal could still give them hope if Turkiye loses against Czechia simultaneously.
Georgia may hold the lowest possession in Euro qualifying, yet their players have made waves through impressive counter attacks. Mikautadze runs down the right wing and beats Dalot’s challenge before taking a shot aimed at near post that misses.
Ronaldo makes an unexpected cameo off the bench at half time when Joao Felix replaces him. Although Ronaldo looks fatigued, there’s still time for him to make an impactful difference as Portugal leads by one goal heading into stoppage time.
7. Otar Kiteishvili
Georgia seemed doomed after suffering two defeats against Turkey and drawing with Czech Republic, but thanks to late saves by Mamardashvili and some solid defensive play they managed to avoid early elimination in Germany.
Portugal have enjoyed plenty of possession inside Georgia’s half, yet have struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. Palhinha attempted to pass directly to Ronaldo but his volley was blocked – Joao Felix later tried shooting from distance which hit the side netting instead.
8. Lochoshvili
Ronaldo attempts a long-range free kick that clips over the wall but Mamardashvili punches it away for a corner kick. Following this incident he had two shots blocked before trying another long range effort which went over the bar.
Portugal are looking to establish their rhythm on the pitch but their opening attack fails when Joao Felix’s hopeful cross is kicked away for a goal kick by Daniel Demel and then Chakvetadze breaks through from their right flank but his shot hits side netting instead of targeting its intended target near post.
Georgia made two changes, as Kvicha Kvaratskhelia and Zakriya Mekvabishvili replaced Kakabadze and Kochorashvili. While Mekvabishvili is an intimidating presence at centre back, his on-ball ability leaves something to be desired; nevertheless Georgia are strong defensively and in their counter attack threatening a shock victory which would be remarkable feat considering this would be their inaugural major tournament since independence.
9. Mikautadze
Roberto Martinez will use this Group F finale between Portugal and Georgia as an opportunity to mix things up, having already secured first place. Georgia are confident after winning two of their opening three matches to qualify for the knockout rounds in their inaugural Euro finals appearance, while Portugal wish to end their campaign on an impressive note.
Felix sends in a left-wing cross that Nelson Semedo manages to deflect wide. Moments later, Palhinha was replaced by Ruben Neves as the Selecao attempted to make their presence felt.
10. Kvaratskhelia
Mikautadze was fouled inside the box and the referee immediately pointed to a penalty spot. Costa took the penalty kick but Mamardashvili saved brilliantly low down.
Georgia are looking like they know they will make it through to the last 16. Kvaratskhelia and Mikautadze are outstanding at stopping attacks from the wings, including Kvaratskhelia’s brilliant performance against Ukraine.
Portugal make a change at half-time by replacing Joao Palhinha with Ruben Neves. Felix attempts a long range curler but it misses its mark; then attempts to finish loose ball in the box but his effort is blocked by red shirt player. A tight second half is underway in Gelsenkirchen where Georgia need only win to progress out of Group E while defeat will send them packing; both teams appear eager for victory.
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