Euro 2024: Georgia writes history, Kvara knocks out Ronaldo. Turkey ok with Calhanoglu
Euro 2024: Georgia writes history, Kvara knocks out Ronaldo. Turkey ok with Calhanoglu
Georgia’s feat as it overcame Portugal 2-0 in the last match of Euro 2024 Group F and qualified for the round of 16 for the first time in its history. The Lusitanians console themselves with first place in the group, but have to deal with a very nervous Cristiano Ronaldo in great difficulty. Montella’s Turkey also passes the round, beating a Czech Republic (eliminated) that was down 10 for more than 70'; 2-1.
Georgia-Portugal 2-0
2' Kvaratskhelia, 57' Mikautadze
Kvaratskhelia electrocuted the Lusitanians at the start, immediately finding the lead: Antonio Silva gave the ball to Mikautadze, who served the Napoli star, who was good at crossing and beating Diogo Costa. Portugal tries to react, but è confused and not very precise in attack: Martinez’s lineup, already qualified and full of second lines, pays for the bad night of Cristiano Ronaldo, very nervous and wasteful in the decisive moments.
Portugal è often inaccurate in the conclusion, and when it manages to center the goal it finds the gloves of a great Mamardshivili.
In the second half another mistake by Antonio Silva leads to the Georgian 2-0: Mikautadze is knocked down in the box by the Portuguese central and from the penalty spot he doubles. Once again Portugal reacts confusingly, its actions predictable and not very dangerous. Ronaldo is replaced at 66' in comes Semedo, Jota and Nunes, but by now the match's inertia is well defined. Mamardshivili makes two more great saves in the final and seals Portugal's feat.
Czech Republic-Turkey 1-2
51' Calhanoglu (T), 66 Soucek (C), 94' Tosun (T)
The match took a turn at the 20' when Barak was sent off for a bad foul on Ozcan. Even at a numerical disadvantage, the Czechs were still dangerous with Jurasek, while Turkey struggled to create chances, except for a few sporadic spurts by Guler.
In the second half, Turkey was more determined, and at 51' came the lead through Calhanoglu, an accurate right-footed shot after an earlier rebound by Stanek on Yildiz.
At 67' came the Czech Republic’s equalizer, Soucek scoring the 1-1 by taking advantage of a duck by Gunok, who missed an exit and lost the ball. At the expiration Turkey regained the lead for good with Tosun, and secured qualification to the round of 16.
