Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's early goal and a second-half penalty by Georges Mikautadze gave Georgia a stunning victory in Gelsenkirchen that saw them qualify for the last 16 in their first ever appearance at the competition.
However, Portugal had already qualified for the next round as Group F winners and Martinez made eight changes to his starting line-up as a result.
"We didn't underestimate Goergia but it is true that they were playing the biggest game in their history," Martinez said after Portugal suffered their first competitive defeat since the 2022 World Cup.
"We were playing the last game when we were already top of our group and it was difficult for us to match their intensity."
This story is from the June 28, 2024 edition of The Citizen.
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This story is from the June 28, 2024 edition of The Citizen.
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