AS THE streets of Tbilisi erupted in celebration, Georgia star man Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was left in no doubt about the magnitude of their famous win over Portugal last night.
“This the best day in the lives of Georgians,” said Kvaratskhelia after a 2-0 victory in Gelsenkirchen sealed a spot in the last 16 of Euro 2024.
“ We just made history. Nobody believed we would defeat Portugal, but this is why we’re a strong team. We just encourage each other and said that we could do it. Even if there is just a one per cent chance, we proved that you can make it happen. I’d love to see what’s happening in Tbilisi.”
Georgia only qualified for Euro 2024 through the Nations League, beating Greece on penalties to earn a first tournament spot since declaring independence in 1992. They have now set up a last-16 tie against Spain on Sunday.
“The boys really gave us a miracle,” said the country’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. “Everyone deserves more than thanks. It’s a wonder. They fought until the end and, apart from the fight, it was proven once again that Georgians have football talent.”
Denne historien er fra June 27, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June 27, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Don't Want Botox? Then Try These Alternatives
From microcurrents to lasers, there are other ways to tackle ageing skin, says Madeleine Spencer
It's high time the Borthwick regime delivers on promise
England boss needs a statement win and the All Blacks are up first
Bukayo Saka
The making of a London icon
Even Ridley Scott thinks our big screens are epic
Outernet is now one of London's top attractions --but the man behind it isn't resting on his laurels
Laura Bailey on why Margate is her favourite escape in the UK
Incredible light, sea air, galleries galore and only two hours from Victoria: it's the model and photographer's dreamland...
The Old Operating Theatre
St Thomas Street, SE1
Can drugs like Ozempic really help to getthe economy firing again?
Labour's plan to give the unemployed weight-loss jabs may have unintended consequences, reports William Hosie
AI is the new frontier of perfumery...But just how fragrantare these scents?
Choosing a signature scent is a highly personal experience. Not only do preferences differ greatly, but certain perfumes react differently depending on your skin. Bergamot top notes may be intoxicating on one person's wrist, but seem soapy on another.
Is it time to ditch the apps and embrace the science of love at first sight?
The chemistry of love isn't just a romantic ideal - it's a scientific reality, discovers
A poetic puzzlebox
This lyrical novel sets out to dazzle and terrify