Georgia National Football Team Vs Portugal National Football Team Lineups

by karan — March 11, 2025 in Football

In the world of football, some moments transcend the sport itself – moments that capture the imagination and remind us why we love the beautiful game.

The clash between the georgia national football team vs portugal national football team lineups at Euro 2024 was precisely one of those magical occasions.

This wasn’t just a football match; it was a David versus Goliath story that unfolded before our eyes.

Georgia, ranked 74th in the FIFA rankings and making their first-ever appearance at a major tournament, faced Portugal, a footballing powerhouse led by one of the greatest players of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo. What followed was nothing short of extraordinary.

Within 93 seconds, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had put Georgia ahead, setting the stage for what would become one of the most remarkable upsets in European Championship history.

The Georgia national football team vs Portugal national football team lineups told contrasting tales – one of star-studded individual brilliance versus collective determination and tactical discipline.

Through sheer grit, organization, and opportunistic finishing, Georgia not only defeated Portugal but secured their place in the knockout stages of their maiden tournament.

Georgia National Football Team Vs Portugal National Football Team Lineups

This guide will delve into every aspect of this historic encounter, from the players who made it happen to the tactical nuances that enabled the impossible to become reality.

The Build-Up to a Historic Encounter

The context surrounding this match made it particularly intriguing:

Georgia qualified for Euro 2024 through the UEFA Nations League Path C playoffs
This was Georgia’s first-ever appearance in a major international tournament
Portugal entered the tournament as one of the favorites to win the title
The 74-place gap in FIFA rankings was among the largest at the tournament

Few gave Georgia any chance against Portugal, with most experts predicting a comfortable win for the Portuguese. Georgia’s journey to the tournament itself was considered a significant achievement, but what followed would exceed even the wildest dreams of Georgian football fans.

The pre-match atmosphere was electric, with Georgian fans traveling in large numbers to support their team in this historic moment. For many, simply being at the tournament was cause for celebration – little did they know that they were about to witness one of the greatest moments in their nation’s sporting history.

Georgia XI: Player Analysis

Georgia’s starting lineup was carefully selected to implement their defensive game plan while maintaining threat on the counter. Let’s analyze each player’s contribution to this historic victory:

Mamardashvili

Giorgi Mamardashvili emerged as one of the heroes of Georgia’s campaign, with his performance against Portugal particularly outstanding:

Made multiple crucial saves throughout the match
Showed exceptional positional awareness and command of his area
Confidently collected crosses and long-range attempts
Maintained concentration despite long periods without the ball

The young goalkeeper’s journey from Dinamo Tbilisi to Valencia had already marked him as a rising talent in European football. Against Portugal, he demonstrated why he is considered one of the most promising goalkeepers of his generation.

Mamardashvili’s shot-stopping abilities were matched by his calmness under pressure. When Portugal increased the intensity in the second half, he remained composed, making key interventions and organizing his defense effectively. His performance was a masterclass in goalkeeping against superior opposition – not just making saves but doing so with the authority that inspired confidence throughout the team.

Gvelesiani

In Georgia’s defensive setup, Gvelesiani played a crucial role:

Maintained positional discipline throughout the match
Made several vital interceptions and clearances
Helped Georgia maintain their compact defensive shape
Showed excellent game-reading abilities against Portugal’s attackers

Gvelesiani’s understanding with his defensive partners ensured that Portugal, despite their technical superiority, struggled to create clear-cut chances. Working alongside captain Jonathan Gwineli, he formed part of a resolute defensive barrier that kept Portugal’s attacking talents at bay.

His ability to read the game and make timely interventions was particularly valuable against Portugal’s multi-faceted attack. When he was eventually substituted for Kvirkvelia, he had already made a significant contribution to Georgia’s defensive resilience. The change provided fresh legs in defense as Georgia looked to see out their historic victory.

Kakabadze

Kakabadze’s role in Georgia’s defensive system was vital:

Provided width in defense while maintaining the team’s shape
Made important tackles and interceptions on Portugal’s wingers
Supported counter-attacks when opportunities arose
Demonstrated excellent positional awareness throughout

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.

The defender’s performance embodied Georgia’s collective approach – sacrificing individual expression for the greater good of the team. His disciplined positioning and awareness of danger helped nullify Portugal’s wide threats and contributed significantly to Georgia’s defensive solidity.

Kochorashvili

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

Broke up Portugal’s attacking plays 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

Kochorashvili’s tireless running and positional intelligence were crucial in Georgia’s containment of Portugal’s creative midfielders. By limiting their effectiveness, he played a significant role in disrupting Portugal’s usual attacking fluency.

His contribution wasn’t limited to defensive duties – whenever Georgia regained possession, Kochorashvili was instrumental in transitioning from defense to attack. His simple but effective use of the ball helped Georgia maintain periods of possession and launch counter-attacks when opportunities presented themselves.

Chakvetadze

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
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

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

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.

As Portugal grew increasingly frustrated, 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

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
Contributed to frustrating Portugal’s attacking players

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

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

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

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

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 Breakdown: David vs Goliath

The contrasting approaches of the two teams created a fascinating tactical battle:

Aspect	Georgia	Portugal
Formation	5-4-1 when defending	4-3-3 attacking structure
Possession	31%	69%
Defensive Approach	Deep, compact block	High press, high line
Attacking Strategy	Direct counters, set pieces	Possession-based build-up
Key Tactic	Exploiting transitions	Breaking down low block
Result	Efficient, clinical	Frustrated, wasteful

Georgia’s coach Willy Sagnol deserves immense credit for preparing his team perfectly for this challenge. By adopting a pragmatic approach that acknowledged Portugal’s technical superiority, he created a platform for Georgia’s historic victory.

Georgia’s tactical setup was based on several key principles:

Deep defensive block: Georgia defended in a compact 5-4-1 formation, denying Portugal space between the lines.
Transition focus: When Georgia won possession, they looked to counter-attack quickly, exploiting the spaces left by Portugal’s attacking players.
Set-piece threat: Georgia recognized the importance of maximizing set-piece opportunities as a route to goal.
Disciplined pressing: Rather than pressing high, Georgia waited for specific triggers before engaging, conserving energy and maintaining their shape.

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.

Key Match Moments

Several defining moments shaped the course of this historic encounter:

Kvaratskhelia’s Early Strike

Scored after just 93 seconds
Capitalized on Antonio Silva’s defensive error
Finished clinically past the Portuguese goalkeeper
Set the perfect platform for Georgia’s game plan

This early goal was the ideal scenario for Georgia’s tactical approach. It allowed them to defend deeper, forcing Portugal to chase the game and potentially leave spaces for counter-attacks. The goal came from a defensive error by Antonio Silva, highlighting Georgia’s ability to punish mistakes at this level.

The early strike stunned Portugal and energized the Georgian players and fans. It gave Georgia the belief that they could compete with one of Europe’s elite teams and set the foundation for their historic victory.

The Penalty Incident

Silva fouled Lochoshvili inside the box
VAR review confirmed the penalty decision
Mikautadze converted confidently
Doubled Georgia’s advantage and increased Portugal’s frustration

The penalty conversion gave Georgia breathing room and forced Portugal to become even more desperate in their attacks, which played into Georgia’s counter-attacking strategy. The VAR review ensured that the decision was correct, and Mikautadze showed remarkable composure to convert the spot-kick.

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 Substitution

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

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

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

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.

Coach’s Influence: Willy Sagnol’s Masterplan

Georgia’s coach Willy Sagnol deserves immense credit for this historic victory:

Implemented a perfect tactical plan against a superior opponent
Fostered belief and fighting spirit within the squad
Made key substitutions at the right moments
Created a cohesive team unit greater than the sum of its parts

The former Bayern Munich defender brought his experience and tactical acumen to bear in preparing Georgia for this challenge. His understanding of defensive organization and counter-attacking football proved perfect for Georgia’s resources and helped them achieve what many considered impossible.

Sagnol’s approach recognized Georgia’s limitations against a technically superior opponent and played to their strengths instead. By maintaining a compact defensive shape and looking to strike on the counter, Georgia maximized their chances of success. The early goal played perfectly into this strategy, allowing them to defend deeper and frustrate Portugal’s attacking players.

His calm demeanor on the sidelines transmitted to his players, who remained focused and disciplined throughout the match despite intense Portuguese pressure. His ability to maintain the team’s concentration and belief was crucial in seeing out this historic victory.

The Georgian Fans: Twelfth Man

The Georgian supporters played a significant role in their team’s historic triumph:

Created an electric atmosphere in the stadium
Celebrated wildly after Kvaratskhelia’s early goal
Provided constant vocal support throughout the match
Shared in the joy and disbelief of Georgia’s achievement

For many Georgian fans, simply seeing their nation compete at a major tournament was a dream come true. Witnessing a victory over Portugal and qualification for the knockout stages exceeded all expectations. Their passionate support throughout the match helped energize the players during difficult periods.

The scenes of celebration in the stands mirrored those on the pitch at the final whistle. Georgian players acknowledged the supporters’ contribution, sharing this historic moment with those who had traveled to support them. The connection between team and fans was evident throughout and played a part in this remarkable achievement.

Impact and Legacy

Georgia’s victory over Portugal will have lasting implications:

Historic Achievement: First major tournament appearance and qualification for knockout stages
National Pride: Enormous celebration across Georgia
Football Development: Potential boost for grassroots football in Georgia
International Recognition: Increased profile for Georgian football and players

For a nation making their debut at a major tournament, reaching the knockout stages by defeating a powerhouse like Portugal represents an extraordinary achievement that will inspire generations of Georgian players. The victory has put Georgian football on the map and demonstrated that with proper organization and belief, even smaller footballing nations can compete with the established powers.

The scenes of celebration in Georgia highlighted the significance of this achievement for the nation. Football has the power to unite people and create moments of collective joy, and Georgia’s victory over Portugal provided exactly that for the Georgian population.

The Wider Context: Tournament Upsets

Georgia’s victory over Portugal joins a list of memorable tournament upsets:

Denmark winning Euro 1992 after being called up as late replacements
Greece’s triumph at Euro 2004 under Otto Rehhagel
Iceland defeating England at Euro 2016
North Macedonia beating Germany in World Cup qualifying

These moments remind us why tournament football is so captivating – the unpredictability and the potential for the seemingly impossible to become reality. Georgia’s victory adds another chapter to this rich history of upsets, providing further evidence that on any given day, any team can triumph regardless of reputation or ranking.

For developing football nations, Georgia’s achievement provides inspiration and a template for success. Rather than trying to match the technical abilities of established powers, focusing on organizational strength, defensive solidity, and efficient counter-attacking can yield remarkable results.

Player Development and Future Prospects

Georgia’s success at Euro 2024 could have lasting implications for football in the country:

Greater international recognition for Georgian players
Increased investment in football infrastructure
Higher profile for the domestic league
More young Georgians inspired to take up the sport

Players like Kvaratskhelia, who already represents Napoli in Serie A, have shown that Georgian footballers can compete at the highest level. This tournament success will likely open doors for more Georgian talents to move to top European leagues, further enhancing the national team’s prospects.

The experience gained from competing in, and succeeding at, Euro 2024 will be invaluable for this generation of Georgian players. Having tasted success on the international stage, they will approach future tournaments with greater belief and confidence.

Portugal’s Perspective: A Painful Lesson

For Portugal, this defeat represented a significant setback in their tournament ambitions:

Exposed vulnerabilities in their defensive organization
Highlighted their struggles against deep defensive blocks
Raised questions about their over-reliance on individual brilliance
Provided a wake-up call for the latter stages of the tournament

Despite the defeat, Portugal still progressed as group winners and would face Slovenia in the quarter-finals. The loss to Georgia served as a reminder that possession without penetration is meaningless and that organizational discipline can overcome individual talent.

For Ronaldo, the match represented a personal disappointment. His frustrated reaction to being substituted reflected his struggles against Georgia’s organized defense and perhaps a recognition that such games are becoming increasingly difficult for him to influence as he enters the twilight of his career.

Tactical Lessons

Georgia’s victory offered several tactical insights for modern football:

Organization trumps individual talent when executed perfectly
Low blocks remain effective against possession-based teams
Clinical finishing is more valuable than chance creation in certain contexts
Defensive discipline and collective effort can overcome technical disadvantages

These lessons aren’t new, but Georgia’s implementation of them was exceptional. Their approach required every player to understand their role and execute it perfectly for 90 minutes – a remarkable achievement against such talented opposition.

The match also highlighted the continuing challenge faced by possession-based teams against well-organized defensive units. Despite dominating the ball, Portugal struggled to create clear chances, raising questions about the balance between possession and penetration in modern football.

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.

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Conclusion:

The Georgia national football team vs Portugal national football team lineups clash at Euro 2024 will be remembered as one of the tournament’s defining moments.

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

Georgia’s victory represents the beautiful unpredictability of football, where rankings and reputations count for nothing on the day.

For a nation making their debut at a major tournament, reaching the knockout stages by defeating Portugal is an extraordinary achievement that will inspire generations of Georgian players.

Their disciplined defensive setup, clinical counter-attacking, and fighting spirit enabled them to overcome a star-studded Portugal side and create their own piece of footballing history.

The contributions of key players like Kvaratskhelia, Mamardashvili, and Mikautadze will be remembered in Georgian football folklore, as will the tactical masterclass provided by coach Willy Sagnol.

Together, they created a moment that transcends sport, bringing national pride and joy to Georgia.

As the final whistle blew in Gelsenkirchen and Georgian players celebrated wildly with their fans, they wrote their names into European Championship history.

This wasn’t just a victory for Georgia; it was a victory for the romantic notion that in football, anything remains possible.

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.

In years to come, when football fans discuss great tournament upsets, Georgia’s victory over Portugal at Euro 2024 will feature prominently in those conversations.

It serves as a powerful reminder that in football, as in life, anything is possible when determination, belief, and teamwork come together – even for a team ranked 74th in the world taking on one of Europe’s traditional powerhouses.

Georgia National Football Team Vs Portugal National Football Team Lineups