Georgia in dreamland after beating Portugal sees them into last 16

Spain up next for Euros minnows as they book spot in knockouts

- Simon Collings

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.”