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Portugal fell to a 2-0 defeat against Georgia in their final Group F match in UEFA Euro 2024 on Wednesday, June 26. Despite the defeat, Roberto Martinez's men progress as group winners, while Georgia qualify as the third-placed team behind Turkey.
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Georgia came out of the blocks with intent and made a quick start to the game. Their pace caught Portugal off-guard as Martinez's men found themselves trailing after just two minutes. Antonio Silva passed the ball towards Georges Mikautadze, who made a smart interception before picking out Khvicha Kvaratskhelia with a lovely pass.
The winger darted forward and applied a powerful finish into the bottom-right corner to send Georgia fans behind the goal into raptures. Portugal were woken up after falling behind so early and dominated possession, keeping the ball for 72% of the first period.
Portugal even attempted 11 shots but with just three on target and none of those good enough to beat Giorgi Mamardashvili, they were trailing 1-0 at half-time.
Martinez made one alteration as Joao Palhinha made way for Ruben Neves for the second half. This allowed Portugal to exercise even more control and move the ball around smoothly and swiftly. However, their progress was halted just 10 minutes into the second half as Silva brought Luka Lochoshvili down and Georgia were awarded a penalty.
Mikautadze stepped up to score his third goal of Euro 2024 to extend his and Georgia's dream run in the competition. Portugal still had more than half an hour to made a comeback but failed to do so. They misfired heavily in the second half as well, attempting 11 shots but managing just two on target, which Mamardashvili saved with ease.
Georgia held off any late advances from their opponents to secure a monumental win in their footballing history. Portugal will go back to the drawing board after a defeat but will have their full focus on the round of 16.
That said, let's take a look at their player ratings.
Portugal Player Ratings
Diogo Costa - 6.5/10
Costa made just one save in a subpar outing for him and his team. However, he completed 14 passes with perfect accuracy.
Antonio Silva - 5.5/10
Silva had a poor game and cost his team early in the game after he gave the ball away. He also committed the foul that resulted in a penalty for Georgia in the second half, which they scored from.
Danilo Pereira - 6.5/10
Pereira had a decent game at the heart of Portugal's defence as he passed the ball with 95% accuracy. He also won three duels, making two clearances and one interception.
Goncalo Inacio - 7.5/10
Inacio had a great game on the left side of defence, winning nine duels and making three clearances and two tackles in the process. He also played 108 passes and completed three dribbles.
Diogo Dalot - 7.5/10
Dalot had a great game as well, passing the ball with 98% accuracy including one key pass. He also won four duels and made one tackle and one interception.
Joao Palhinha - 7/10
Palhinha had a good first half as he played one key pass and won six duels but was subbed off at half-time for tactical reasons.
Joao Neves - 6.5/10
Neves struggled a little in midfield and had a relatively quiet game.
Pedro Neto - 7.5/10
Neto was highly active on the right flank as he played one key pass, completed four dribbles and also won eight duels. He also played three crosses.
Francisco Conceicao - 7.5/10
Conceicao passed the ball with 88% accuracy, including three key passes and one cross. He also completed two dribbles and attempted three shots but failed to hit the target. He won five duels as well.
Joao Felix - 7.5/10
Felix looked sharp with the ball as he played four key passes and two crosses, creating one big chance for Portugal in the process. He also completed two dribbles and won three duels.
Cristiano Ronaldo - 6/10
Ronaldo had a subpar outing as he attempted three shots but just one of them was on target, that too from a 30-odd yard free-kick. Apart from that he failed to win a single duel, nor did he play any crosses.
Substitutes
Ruben Neves - 6.5/10
Neves replaced Palhinha for the second half and played well as he passed the ball with 93% accuracy, playing one key pass and two crosses.
Nelson Semedo - 6/10
He replaced Silva for the second half and also missed a late chance to score from close-range as Mamardashvili made another wonderful save.
Goncalo Ramos - 6.5/10
Ramos replaced Ronaldo in the second half but attempted just one shot that was blocked.
Mathues Nunes - 7/10
Nunes passed the ball with 94% accuracy and played one key pass as well in a decent cameo.
Diogo Jota - 6/10
Jota came on late in the game and missed a glorious chance and could not prevent Portugal from losing.
