EURO 2024: Future is bright for Georgia
Despite entering as underdog in their major tournament debut in EURO 2024, Georgia fought their way to enter the Round-of-16.
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Georgia had a great run in EURO 2024
Passionate fans from Georgia experienced the best 21 minutes of their lives after Spain defender Robin le Normand poked Otar Kakabadze’s bouncing cross into his own net.
Georgia were on its way in what would have been one of the biggest upsets this competition has ever seen.
After all, the small European nation scored a huge upset over Portugal to reach the last 16.
Spain regrouped and asserted their dominance en route to a 4-1 victory.
Nonetheless, it has been one hell of a ride for Georgia, a nation who has only been independent for 33 years.
“Sometimes you have to take the time to sit and look at what you have done,” said Georgia coach Willy Sagnol. “We can sit in peace and quiet and be very happy with the last year. The evolution of the team has been fantastic. I’m very proud of that and proud of what the players have done.”
“It will take some days to realise because it was such a fan performance. We feel a bit sad because we lost but I’m sure in some days we will realise what we have done and the happiness will come back very quickly.”
The future is bright
Georgia received an emotional ovation from fans inside the RheinEnergieStadion, and deservingly so.
And this might not be the last time that Georgia will appear in the European Championship.
Eight of the squad are either aged 23 or under.
They will be in a group with the Czech Republic, Ukraine and Albania this time in Group B.
Amidst the political turmoil in the nation, Sagnol’s side gave its home fans something to cheer for.
“We worked so hard to get here and when everyone realises what we have done together we will try our best to come back,” said Sagnol.
“Playing against the best teams, the best players and to give the Georgian fans the chance to come here and sing the national anthem in the stadiums is a great thing. Tomorrow morning, everyone will want just one thing, to come back. It’s the end of the journey but I’m sure the next one will also be very exciting.”
