They are no longer the unknown; they are the team everyone will be watching
Few expected much from Georgia heading into Euro 2024. A nation with a small population and a history of football struggles, they were overshadowed by their Group F rivals, the mighty Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo. But the beautiful game is all about surprises, and Georgia provided the biggest upset of the tournament so far, defeating Portugal 2-0 and booking their place in the knockout stages.
So, who exactly are these giant slayers, and how did they pull off such a remarkable feat?
Euro 2024 marks Georgia's debut on the international stage. Having gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, they've never qualified for a major international competition before. This lack of experience, however, didn't faze them. They displayed impressive resilience throughout the group stage, claiming a win, a draw, and a loss against seasoned campaigners.
Georgia's football history hasn't always been smooth sailing. By 2015, they had plummeted to outside the top 150 of the FIFA world rankings, with domestic football also in decline. However, a significant turnaround has been brewing. Investment, infrastructure improvements, and a renewed passion for the sport have seen Georgia climb back up the rankings to a respectable 74th place.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia after the goal against Portugal
In 2022, the Georgian national team underwent a strategic rebranding. The aim? To foster a sense of collective responsibility and a team that functions as a cohesive unit rather than relying on individual brilliance. This shift in philosophy seems to be paying dividends. As Georgian Football Federation vice president Aleksandr Iashvili highlighted, "strength is in unity," a motto that reminds players to prioritise team success above individual glory.
Georges Mikautadze with his iconic celebration
One of the key ingredients in Georgia's success story is their formidable strike partnership. Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, affectionately nicknamed "Kvara-dona" for his resemblance to the legendary Diego Maradona, has been a revelation. His dribbling skills and ability to retain possession high up the pitch have been instrumental in keeping opponents on their toes.
Partnering him is the powerful Metz striker Georges Mikautadze, whose physicality and darting runs pose a constant threat to defenders. Together, they've formed a potent attacking force that has tormented opposing defences.
Georgia's game plan throughout the tournament has been built around a rock-solid defence and lightning-fast counterattacks. They've been content to cede possession to their opponents in all three group stage matches, waiting for the opportune moment to pounce on mistakes and exploit gaps in transition. The goal against Portugal perfectly exemplified this strategy, with Mikautadze capitalising on a loose ball to send Kvaratskhelia clear on goal.
Ready to roar at the bigger stage
Georgia may be facing political turmoil at home, but their football success has brought a wave of joy to the nation. Beyond their impressive teamwork, the exciting young talents in the squad offer a glimpse into a promising future. At just 23 years old, both Kvaratskhelia and Mikautadze have their best years ahead of them. The same can be said for their impressive goalkeeper, Giorgi Mamardashvili, who shone with 11 saves against the Czech Republic.
Their next challenge pits them against the tournament favourites, Spain. Regardless of the outcome, Georgia has already etched their name in Euro 2024 history and established themselves as a team to watch in the years to come.
