Georgia secured their spot in Euro 2024 with a historic 4-2 shootout victory over Greece, following a tense playoff final that ended 0-0 after extra time on Tuesday.
In a thrilling turn of events, Georgia’s substitute Nika Kvekveskiri sealed the win with a successful spot kick, while Greece’s Giorgos Giakoumakis missed his penalty, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
At Euro 2024, Georgia will compete in Group F alongside Portugal, Turkey, and the Czech Republic, with the tournament set to commence on June 14.
Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili played a pivotal role, saving Greece’s first penalty from Anastasios Bakasetas, but the tension heightened when Georgia’s Georges Mikautadze missed his spot kick, offering Greece a glimmer of hope.
However, Greece’s fate was sealed when Giakoumakis failed to convert their fourth penalty, ultimately making Kvekveskiri the hero with his composed finish.
Despite the nail-biting shootout, the home crowd reveled in Georgia’s triumph, having witnessed their team’s 2-0 victory over Luxembourg in the playoff semi-final just days prior.
Manager Willy Sagnol made a solitary change from the Luxembourg match, reinstating key forward Kvaratskhelia from suspension, while Greece’s Gus Poyet opted for an unchanged lineup following their 5-0 win against Kazakhstan in the semi-final.
