"This is why we love football", "Penaldo is finished" - X reacts as Georgia defeat Portugal in Euro 2024 clash and qualify into Ro16 stage

Fans reacted on X after Georgia stunned Portugal 2-0 in the final Euro 2024 group stage clash of the tournament on June 26. Both teams made it to through to the knockouts; Portugal as the group-winners and Georgia as one of the best third-placed teams.

Some fans took the opportunity to criticize Cristiano Ronaldo for his underwhelming performance against Georgia. The Portuguese captain has failed to score in the group stage of a major international tournament for the first time in his career.

Many appreciated the beauty of the sport and applauded Georgia for their unexpected victory. Here are some of the reactions here:

"I cant believe this this is surreal," a fan wrote.

"This is football heritage," another added.

"Ronaldo did nothing btw. congratulations to Georgia," a third one said.

"ronaldo should retire and save his country," a user said.

"Where was Ronaldo? Or will they blame Messi again for losing to Georgia?" a fan joked.

"This Portugal performance needs to be talked about," another user felt.

"Fairs that's football," a fan applauded.

Portugal will face Slovenia in the knockout stage on Monday, July 1, at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt. Georgia, on the other hand, will face Spain on Sunday, June 30, at RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne.

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Portugal's run in the Euro 2024 group stages explored

Portugal v Czechia: Group F - UEFA EURO 2024 ((Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Portugal have been one of the better performing teams in the Euro 2024 group stages. They finished first in Group F, followed by Turkey (six points), Georgia (four points) and Czech Republic (one point). The Selecao won their first two games and lost their final game against Georgia.

In their Euro 2024 opening match, Portugal won 2-1 against Czechia. After being held to a 1-1 draw until second-half stoppage time, substitute Francisco Conceicao scored to give Martinez's men the crucial three points.

In their second group stage fixture against Turkey, the Selecao did much better than against the Czechs. They won the game 3-0 with Bernardo Silva opening the scoring in the 21st minute.

Silva's goal was followed by a bizarre own goal from Turkey's Samet Akaydin. Bruno Fernandes sealed the deal with the third goal of the night, which was set up by Cristiano Ronaldo. The win against Turkey already guaranteed the Selecao a spot in the knockout stage.

In their final match against Georgia, Roberto Martinez decided to rest most of his usual starters, including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Raphael Leao. Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the few regulars who started against Georgia.

However, things did not go as planned for the Selecao as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored the opening goal two minutes into the game. In the second half, Georges Mikautadze converted a penalty to make it 2-0.