Georgia’s improbable journey at Euro 2024 has captivated the world. The tiny nation, ranked 154th in the FIFA rankings just nine years ago, has defied expectations by reaching the round of 16. Their stunning 2-0 victory over Portugal, a team led by Cristiano Ronaldo, stands as the biggest upset of the tournament so far.
Georgia’s success can be attributed to their unique counter-attacking style. Despite lacking the individual quality to hold onto the ball and dictate the tempo, they’ve thrived on long balls and quick transitions. Their front two, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze, have been lethal on the break, with Kvaratskhelia scoring a goal just 85 seconds into the Portugal match.
Georgia’s defensive solidity has also been key to their success. They’ve employed a 3-5-2 formation with two wing-backs who operate as full-backs, effectively creating a five-at-the-back setup. This allows them to crowd the box, block attacks, and limit opponents’ shots on goal.
However, Georgia’s biggest asset might be their goalkeeper, Giorgi Mamardashvili. With 20 saves in three matches, he leads the competition in saves and has been instrumental in keeping Georgia’s goal sheet clean.
Georgia’s run has not been without its challenges. They lost their opening match to Turkey and drew against Czechia before their monumental victory over Portugal. Their next opponent, Spain, presents a formidable challenge. Spain has won all of their group stage matches and boasts a formidable attack. However, their backline might be susceptible to Georgia’s quick counter-attacks.
While Georgia faces an uphill battle against Spain, their journey to the round of 16 is a testament to their resilience and tactical ingenuity. They will be looking to cause another upset and continue their fairytale run at Euro 2024. The Euro 2024 round of 16 kicks off on June 29th with Switzerland facing Italy. Georgia will take on Spain the following day at 12:30 AM IST.
