By Sam Tobin
GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany (Reuters) – Georgia booked a place in the last 16 of Euro 2024 in their debut appearance at a major tournament, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s early goal and a Georges Mikautadze penalty earning a 2-0 win over already-qualified Portugal on Wednesday.
Portugal’s Antonio Silva was at fault for both goals, having passed the ball straight to Mikautadze who fed Kvaratskhelia to score after 93 seconds before the defender clumsily conceded the spot kick which Mikautadze converted in the 57th minute.
Portugal created several chances but Cristiano Ronaldo was denied by goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from a first-half free-kick and just after the break shot straight at the prone Guram Kashia from close range.
Georgia defended resolutely, countered at pace and fully deserved their victory, which means they finish third in Group F and face Spain in the last 16, while Portugal – who were already guaranteed to top the group – will play Slovenia.
(Reporting by Sam Tobin; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
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