Georgia National Football Team Vs Portugal National Football Team Lineups

by karan — March 11, 2025 in Football

Football has always been a sport where the impossible can become possible, where ninety minutes on a pitch can produce moments that live forever in sporting folklore.

The clash between the georgia national football team vs portugal national football team lineups at Euro 2024 delivered precisely such a moment.

On paper, this match appeared to be a formality – a routine victory for the Portuguese giants against tournament debutants Georgia.

Portugal, former European champions and perennial contenders, boasted a squad filled with world-class talent from Europe’s elite clubs.

Georgia, ranked 74th in FIFA’s world rankings and making their first-ever appearance at a major tournament, were given little chance by experts and bookmakers alike.

Yet football’s beauty lies in its unpredictability, and what unfolded in Gelsenkirchen would become one of the greatest upsets in European Championship history.

Within just 93 seconds, Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia stunned Portugal with an opportunistic goal that set the tone for what was to come.

Rather than retreating into their shell, Georgia doubled their advantage through a Georges Mikautadze penalty and produced a defensive masterclass to secure a historic 2-0 victory.

Georgia National Football Team Vs Portugal National Football Team Lineups

The georgia national football team vs portugal national football team lineups that day represented more than just 22 players on a pitch; they embodied a clash of footballing cultures, resources, and expectations.

This comprehensive guide will explore every aspect of this remarkable match, from the tactical brilliance of Georgia’s approach to the individual performances that made history possible, offering insights into one of football’s most memorable modern upsets.

The Contrasting Paths to Euro 2024

Before examining the match itself, it’s important to understand how these two nations arrived at this pivotal encounter:

Georgia’s Difficult Journey

Failed to qualify directly from their qualifying group
Entered the playoffs through the UEFA Nations League Path C
Defeated Luxembourg 2-0 in the playoff semi-final
Overcame Greece on penalties in a dramatic playoff final
First-ever qualification for a major tournament in their history
Entered Euro 2024 with limited expectations from outside

Georgia’s qualification itself was considered a remarkable achievement. After failing to advance directly from their qualifying group, they took advantage of the Nations League pathway, securing their place with a nerve-wracking penalty shootout victory over Greece. For a nation with a population of just 3.7 million and limited footballing infrastructure, simply reaching Euro 2024 was celebrated as a historic milestone.

Few expected Georgia to make any significant impact at the tournament itself. Drawn in Group F alongside Portugal, Turkey, and the Czech Republic, most predictions had them finishing bottom without a point. Their qualification was seen as valuable experience for the future rather than an opportunity for immediate success.

Portugal’s Seamless Qualification

Perfect record in qualifying with ten wins from ten matches
Scored 36 goals while conceding just 2
Comfortably topped Group J ahead of Slovakia and Luxembourg
Entered the tournament among the favorites for the title
Led by Cristiano Ronaldo in his record sixth European Championship
Boasted a squad valued at over €1 billion

Portugal’s qualification campaign had been nothing short of dominant. Their perfect record demonstrated their quality and depth, establishing them as one of the teams to beat at Euro 2024. Under Roberto Martinez, they had developed into a more expansive, attack-minded team while maintaining defensive solidity.

With stars from Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, and other elite clubs, Portugal’s squad was among the most valuable at the tournament. Their blend of experienced veterans and exciting young talents had many tipping them as potential champions.

Pre-Match Context and Expectations

The build-up to the match highlighted the perceived gulf between the two teams:

Bookmakers offered odds of 16/1 or higher for a Georgia victory
Media coverage focused on how many goals Portugal might score
Questions centered around whether Ronaldo would break more records
Georgia were expected to adopt an ultra-defensive approach
Portuguese players spoke of building momentum for the knockout stages

Even the most optimistic Georgian supporters would have struggled to envision what was about to unfold. The consensus was that Georgia would set up defensively and hope to keep the score respectable, with Portugal expected to dominate possession and eventually break down their resistance.

Georgia’s coach Willy Sagnol, however, had instilled a belief and tactical discipline in his side that would prove crucial. The former Bayern Munich defender had carefully studied Portugal’s strengths and weaknesses, developing a game plan that would shock the football world.

The Starting Lineups: A Study in Contrasts

The team sheets revealed much about the two nations’ approaches and resources:

Georgia’s Lineup: Unity and Organization

Georgia lined up in a 5-4-1 formation that would become a 5-4-1 defensive block when out of possession:

Mamardashvili (GK): Valencia’s rising star goalkeeper
Defense: Gvelesiani, Kvirkvelia, Kashia, Dvali, Kakabadze
Midfield: Kochorashvili, Chakvetadze, Kiteishvili, Lochoshvili
Attack: Mikautadze supported by Kvaratskhelia from the left

This lineup featured players from various European leagues, though few at elite clubs. The emphasis was on collective organization rather than individual brilliance, with Napoli’s Kvaratskhelia and Valencia’s Mamardashvili the only players at top clubs.

Georgia’s formation was designed to be compact out of possession, denying Portugal space between the lines. The presence of five defenders and four midfielders created two solid banks that would be difficult to play through.

Portugal’s Lineup: Star-Studded Talents

Portugal adopted a 4-3-3 formation built around attacking flair and technical quality:

Costa (GK): Porto’s experienced international goalkeeper
Defense: Cancelo, Silva, Dias, Mendes – Premier League stars
Midfield: Vitinha, Neves, Fernandes – creative technicians
Attack: Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo, Leão – world-class forwards

This lineup featured players from Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, AC Milan, and other elite clubs. Almost every position contained a player considered among the best in their position globally.

Portugal’s approach was built around dominating possession, with technically gifted midfielders supplying ammunition to a formidable attack led by Cristiano Ronaldo. Their full-backs were expected to provide additional width and creativity in the final third.

First Half: The Shock That Stunned Portugal

The match began in a way that few could have predicted, with Georgia taking the lead after just 93 seconds:

Kvaratskhelia’s Moment of Opportunism

Antonio Silva’s careless pass near midfield was intercepted
Kvaratskhelia pounced with remarkable anticipation
The Napoli star advanced toward goal with confidence and purpose
His finish was clinical and composed past the advancing goalkeeper
Georgian players celebrated wildly, scarcely believing what had happened

This early goal changed the entire complexion of the match. Rather than facing a long, defensive rearguard action, Georgia now had something to protect. For Portugal, the early setback created immediate pressure and forced them to chase the game from the outset.

The goal highlighted Kvaratskhelia’s quality and alertness, but also demonstrated a key aspect of Georgia’s game plan – their readiness to capitalize on Portuguese mistakes. Sagnol had clearly identified Portugal’s occasional carelessness in possession as a potential weakness.

Portugal’s Response: Frustration Grows

Following the early shock, Portugal reacted as expected:

Dominated possession (reaching 73% in the first half)
Created several half-chances without seriously threatening
Became increasingly frustrated by Georgia’s organized defense
Resorted to speculative shots from distance
Struggled to find space between the lines of Georgia’s compact block

Despite their technical superiority, Portugal found it difficult to break down Georgia’s disciplined defensive structure. The Georgians maintained two compact banks of defenders and midfielders, forcing Portugal to either play around the outside or attempt ambitious passes that were frequently intercepted.

Ronaldo became an increasingly frustrated figure, dropping deeper in search of the ball but finding himself crowded out by Georgia’s midfield. His body language betrayed his annoyance as the half progressed, with gestures toward teammates and officials becoming more animated.

Georgia’s Tactical Discipline

Georgia’s approach was executed to perfection in the first half:

Maintained a compact defensive shape with minimal space between lines
Defended in a 5-4-1 formation that was difficult to penetrate
Counter-attacked with purpose when opportunities arose
Showed remarkable positional discipline and awareness
Limited Portugal to mostly unthreatening shots from distance

Willy Sagnol’s tactical plan was being implemented brilliantly by his players. Rather than simply parking the bus, Georgia remained a threat on the counter-attack, forcing Portugal to maintain some defensive caution despite their need to equalize.

Mamardashvili’s commanding presence in goal added further security to Georgia’s defensive unit. The Valencia goalkeeper dealt confidently with crosses and long-range efforts, further frustrating Portugal’s increasingly desperate attempts to level the score.

Second Half: Doubling the Advantage

The second half began with Portugal making changes in personnel and approach, but Georgia’s resilience would only grow stronger:

The Penalty Incident: VAR Intervention

Antonio Silva fouled Lochoshvili inside the box
Initially missed by the referee but reviewed by VAR
Clear contact confirmed the penalty decision
Mikautadze stepped up with remarkable composure
Converted confidently to double Georgia’s advantage

This second goal sent Georgian fans into delirium and left Portugal facing a mountain to climb. Mikautadze’s calm penalty conversion demonstrated Georgia’s mental strength – rather than being overawed by the occasion, they were embracing it and rising to the challenge.

The penalty decision further frustrated Portugal, with players surrounding the referee to protest before and after the VAR review. This growing frustration began to affect their decision-making, with attacks becoming increasingly frantic and uncoordinated.

Ronaldo’s Frustration Boils Over

As Portugal struggled to find a way back into the match, their talisman’s frustration became increasingly evident:

Had a penalty appeal rejected after Lochoshvili’s challenge
Gesticulated angrily toward teammates and officials
Was substituted in the 66th minute by Roberto Martinez
Kicked water bottles in anger as he left the pitch
Symbolized Portugal’s collective inability to break through

Ronaldo’s visible frustration epitomized Portugal’s struggles. For a player accustomed to being the hero on the biggest stages, this was a humbling experience. His substitution was a recognition by Martinez that a different approach was needed, but it also represented a significant moment – the removal of Portugal’s talisman with the team desperately needing goals.

The sight of Ronaldo kicking water bottles as he left the field encapsulated Portugal’s collective frustration. Despite their technical superiority and dominance of possession, they were unable to find a way through Georgia’s resolute defense.

Georgia’s Defensive Masterclass

As Portugal threw more players forward in search of goals, Georgia’s defensive organization became even more impressive:

Maintained positional discipline despite increasing pressure
Made numerous crucial blocks and interceptions in dangerous areas
Goalkeeper Mamardashvili produced spectacular saves when called upon
Utilized game management techniques effectively
Remained a threat on the counter-attack to keep Portugal honest

Sagnol’s men refused to simply drop deeper and deeper as many teams might have done with a two-goal lead. Instead, they maintained their shape and continued to look for opportunities to counter-attack, ensuring Portugal couldn’t commit everyone forward without risk.

The defensive performance was characterized by collective effort rather than individual heroics. Every player understood their role within the system and executed it with remarkable discipline, creating a defensive unit greater than the sum of its parts.

Tactical Analysis: The Blueprint for an Upset

Georgia’s victory was no accident but rather the result of meticulous planning and perfect execution:

Tactical Element	Georgia’s Approach	Portugal’s Challenge
Defensive Shape	5-4-1 compact block	Struggled to find space between lines
Pressing Triggers	Selective, position-based	Lost possession in dangerous areas
Transitions	Direct, vertical counter-attacks	Vulnerable when caught in transition
Set Pieces	Disciplined defense, physical presence	Limited effectiveness despite height advantage
Game Management	Time management, tactical fouls	Became increasingly frustrated

Willy Sagnol’s tactical plan recognized Georgia’s limitations against a technically superior opponent and played to their strengths instead. The key elements included:

Compact defensive structure: Georgia defended in a disciplined 5-4-1 formation, with minimal space between lines making it difficult for Portugal to play through them.
Counter-attacking threat: Georgia recognized that their best opportunities would come in transition, with quick, direct attacks exploiting the spaces left by Portugal’s attacking players.
Selective pressing: Rather than pressing high continuously, Georgia waited for specific triggers before engaging, conserving energy and maintaining their shape.
Psychological resilience: Perhaps most importantly, Sagnol instilled a belief that the seemingly impossible was achievable, creating a fearless mentality among his players.

This approach perfectly countered Portugal’s strengths. Despite having technically gifted players who thrived in space, Portugal struggled to break down Georgia’s organized defense, often resorting to speculative shots from distance or predictable crosses that were dealt with comfortably.

Individual Performances: Heroes of Gelsenkirchen

While Georgia’s victory was built on collective effort, several individuals produced performances that deserve special recognition:

Mamardashvili: The Guardian

Georgia’s goalkeeper was outstanding throughout:

Made seven crucial saves, including spectacular stops in the second half
Commanded his penalty area with authority and confidence
Provided vocal leadership to organize Georgia’s defensive shape
Maintained concentration despite long periods of Portuguese possession
Demonstrated exceptional positioning and reflexes

The Valencia goalkeeper has been steadily building his reputation in European football, and his performance against Portugal showcased his quality on the biggest stage. His calmness under pressure transmitted to the defenders in front of him, giving Georgia a solid foundation upon which to build their historic victory.

Kvaratskhelia: The Match-Winner

Napoli’s star was Georgia’s most dangerous attacking threat:

Scored the crucial opening goal after just 93 seconds
Provided a constant counter-attacking outlet with his pace and dribbling
Tracked back diligently to support Georgia’s defensive effort
Nearly scored a second with a shot that hit the side netting
Showed why he’s considered one of Europe’s most exciting talents

Kvaratskhelia’s reputation has grown significantly since his move to Napoli, where he has become one of Serie A’s most feared attackers. Against Portugal, he demonstrated not just his technical quality but also his tactical intelligence and work rate, contributing significantly to Georgia’s defensive effort while remaining their primary offensive threat.

Kochorashvili: The Unsung Hero

In midfield, Kochorashvili’s tireless performance epitomized Georgia’s approach:

Made numerous interceptions and tackles to disrupt Portugal’s rhythm
Covered enormous ground to maintain Georgia’s defensive shape
Provided a vital link between defense and attack
Showed great awareness in closing down spaces
Displayed remarkable tactical discipline throughout

Without making headlines, Kochorashvili was perhaps Georgia’s most important player. His energy and tactical intelligence were crucial in containing Portugal’s creative midfielders and providing the platform for Georgia’s more attack-minded players to make an impact when opportunities arose.

The Significance: Beyond Just One Victory

Georgia’s triumph over Portugal represented far more than just three points in a group-stage match:

Historical Context

Georgia’s first-ever victory at a major international tournament
One of the biggest rankings upsets in European Championship history
Secured Georgia’s place in the knockout stages on their tournament debut
Joined the pantheon of great tournament upsets alongside Greece in 2004 and Denmark in 1992
Created a defining moment in Georgian sporting history

For a nation that gained independence just over 30 years ago, this victory represented a significant milestone in their sporting development. It demonstrated that Georgia could compete at the highest level of international football despite their limited resources and experience.

National Impact

Created scenes of wild celebration across Georgia
United a nation facing various political and economic challenges
Raised Georgia’s international profile beyond just the sporting arena
Inspired a new generation of young Georgian footballers
Became part of the national identity and collective memory

The victory transcended sport to become a moment of national significance. In Tbilisi and cities across Georgia, people poured onto the streets to celebrate, momentarily forgetting everyday challenges in a shared moment of national pride and joy.

The images of Georgian players celebrating with their ecstatic fans at the final whistle captured the emotion of the moment. This wasn’t just a football victory; it was a national triumph that would be remembered for generations.

Lessons for Underdogs: The Georgia Template

Georgia’s victory offers several valuable lessons for other footballing underdogs:

Tactical Realism

Understand your strengths and limitations
Design a game plan that maximizes your strengths
Accept that you may have limited possession
Focus on defensive organization as the foundation
Identify and exploit opponent weaknesses

Georgia’s approach recognized the reality of the situation. Attempting to match Portugal in an open, possession-based game would have been suicidal. Instead, they developed a game plan that played to their strengths while neutralizing Portugal’s attacking threat.

Psychological Approach

Foster a belief that victory is possible
Embrace the underdog status rather than fearing it
Maintain concentration for the full 90 minutes
Use the lack of expectation as freedom from pressure
Build resilience to withstand difficult moments

Perhaps most importantly, Georgia played without fear. Rather than being overawed by Portugal’s reputation and star players, they embraced the challenge and believed in their ability to cause an upset. This mental strength was as important as their tactical approach in securing victory.

Execution and Adaptability

Perfect execution of the tactical game plan
Disciplined adherence to roles and responsibilities
Adaptability to changing game situations
Game management to maintain advantage
Collective effort over individual expression

Georgia’s victory wasn’t just about having a good plan; it was about executing that plan perfectly for 90 minutes. Every player understood their role within the system and carried it out with remarkable discipline, creating a collective performance greater than the sum of its individual parts.

Legacy and Future Impact

Georgia’s victory will have lasting implications for football in the country:

Player Development

Increased international recognition for Georgian players
More opportunities for Georgian talents in top European leagues
Higher transfer fees and valuations for Georgian players
Greater investment in player development pathways
Raised profile of the Georgian domestic league

Players like Kvaratskhelia 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.

Football Infrastructure

Potential for increased government investment in football facilities
Greater corporate sponsorship of Georgian football
Improved coaching education and development programs
Enhanced youth academy structures
Long-term strategic planning for continued growth

The financial and publicity benefits of this success could accelerate the development of football infrastructure in Georgia. With proper investment and planning, this historic achievement could be the foundation for sustained progress rather than a one-off miracle.

Footballing Identity

Development of a distinctive Georgian playing style
Building on the tactical blueprint from this tournament
Creating a winning mentality within Georgian football
Establishing higher expectations for future tournaments
Balancing pragmatism with progressively more ambitious approaches

This victory gives Georgian football something to build upon – not just in terms of results but in developing a clear identity and philosophy. Rather than simply emulating other nations, Georgia can develop an approach that reflects their unique strengths and characteristics.

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 and France 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 formation did Georgia use against Portugal?

Georgia adopted a 5-4-1 formation that became a compact defensive block when out of possession, denying Portugal space between the lines.

How did Georgia qualify for Euro 2024?

Georgia qualified through the UEFA Nations League Path C playoffs, defeating Luxembourg in the semi-final and Greece on penalties in the final.

The Beautiful Game: Why We Love Football

Georgia’s victory over Portugal reminds us why football remains the world’s most popular sport:

The unpredictability that makes every match worth watching
The ability of the underdog to triumph against overwhelming odds
The emotional connection between teams and their supporters
The tactical chess match between coaches with different resources
The human stories behind the sporting achievements

This match embodied everything that makes football so captivating. It wasn’t just about technical quality or physical attributes; it was about heart, determination, tactical discipline, and the belief that anything is possible on any given day.

For neutral observers, Georgia’s victory provided one of those rare sporting moments that transcends team allegiances. It was impossible not to be moved by the joy of the Georgian players and fans, celebrating an achievement that few believed possible before kickoff.

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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. What looked on paper like a mismatch became one of the greatest upsets in European Championship history, as Georgia’s tactical discipline and fighting spirit overcame Portugal’s star-studded lineup.

From Kvaratskhelia’s opportunistic early strike to Mamardashvili’s heroics in goal and the collective defensive resilience, Georgia’s performance was a masterclass in how underdogs can triumph against the odds. Willy Sagnol’s tactical plan was executed to perfection by players who believed in themselves and each other.

For Georgia, this victory represents far more than just three points in a group-stage match. It’s a defining moment in their sporting history, a source of national pride, and potentially a catalyst for the future development of football in the country. The scenes of celebration in Tbilisi and across Georgia demonstrated the unifying power of sport and the special place that football holds in national identity.

As Georgia progressed to the knockout stages of their maiden tournament, they carried with them the hearts of neutral fans everywhere who love an underdog story. Their victory serves as a powerful reminder that in football, as in life, the seemingly impossible can become possible through proper preparation, belief, and execution.

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. It’s precisely these occasions that make football the beautiful game, where dreams can come true and history can be written by the most unexpected heroes.

Georgia National Football Team Vs Portugal National Football Team Lineups