Portugal experienced a major upset during the Euro 2024 group stage when Georgia defeated them, despite Portugal being ranked sixth in the FIFA rankings while Georgia was ranked 74th. This victory for Georgia marks the largest upset in Euros history based on the difference in FIFA rankings. The match saw Georgia with only 28% possession, the lowest by a team to win a Euros match since 1980. Georges Mikautadze played a significant role in Georgia’s success, being involved in all four of Georgia’s goals at the tournament and becoming the leading scorer with three goals. Mikautadze also became the ninth player to score in all three group games at a single Euro tournament.
Georgia’s win against Portugal secured their spot in the knockout stage, making them the first debutant to achieve this since Iceland, Northern Ireland, and Wales did in 2016. They will face Spain in the Round of 16, while Portugal will play against Slovenia. Cristiano Ronaldo, who failed to score in the group stage of a major international tournament for the first time in his career, led Portugal in this match. Portugal’s starting lineup featured four players under the age of 23, a first in a Euros match for the team. The team had its second-youngest average age ever for a starting 11 at the Euros.
In other Euro 2024 matches, Romania secured their spot in the knockout stage for the first time since 2000 by winning their group for the first time ever. Slovakia also advanced to the knockout stage as a third-place team, marking their first advancement since 2016. Belgium finished as the runner-up in Group E and will face France in the Round of 16. Ukraine, on the other hand, was eliminated after finishing fourth in their group, becoming the first team in Euros history to do so with 4 points.
Turkey advanced to the knockout stage for the first time since 2008, while Czechia was eliminated from the tournament. Hakan Çalhanoglu made history by becoming Turkey’s second-oldest goalscorer at a Euros. Antonín Barak received the earliest red card in Euros history at 19 minutes and 28 seconds during the match between Czechia and Turkey, which also set a new record for cautions in a Euros match with a total of 18 cards handed out.
Overall, the Euro 2024 group stage saw some surprising results and standout performances, setting the stage for an exciting knockout stage ahead. Fans can look forward to more thrilling matches as the tournament progresses.
