Georgian PM praises “miracle” of national team advancing to Euro 2024 knockout round

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday marked the historic achievement of the national football team, which defeated Portugal 2-0 in their final group stage match at the ongoing European Championship in Germany to progress to the knockout stage of the competition, by saying “the boys gave us a miracle”.

Everyone deserves more than thanks. The emotions are incredible. We were with the boys, and congratulated them [...] They fought until the end, and apart from the fight, Georgians have football talent; it was proved once again and thanks to them”, Kobakhidze told the media.

The team advanced to the playoff round after finishing the group stage as the best third-placed squad, level on points with Turkey who finished second in Group F, behind Portugal.

• Georgian national football team advances in knockout round after win over Portugal at UEFA Euro 2024

Kobakhidze emphasised the significance of the win over Portugal, noting it had a “special value” as the Portuguese team had fought until the end despite having guaranteed progression to the next stage for themselves.

We beat such a team that it is even more appreciated”, he said.

Looking forward, the PM expressed his confidence in the team's ability to go for a victory against Spain in the playoff round fixture, underscoring the unpredictable nature of football.

We have to win against Spain. Of course, all games are difficult at the European Championship, but against Spain, I am sure the boys will go for the win and we will see the rest. The ball is round and everything is possible”, he said.

Forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored in the second minute of the match, before the team doubled their lead in the 57th minute through a penalty by striker Georges Mikautadze, after Luka Lochoshvili was brought down in the Portugal box.

The squad will face Spain on Sunday.