By Humberto Viera
Mar 27, 2024, 16:14 PM EDT
The Georgian soccer team reached a historic milestone by qualifying for the European Championship for the first time, after beating Greece 4-2 on penalties in an exciting match played at the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena Stadium, with a capacity for 54,000 spectators, which was completely full.
According to EFE, from the beginning, the Georgians sought victory, although the clearest opportunity came just before half-time, with a free kick by Giorgi Chakvetadze that was stopped spectacularly by Odisseas Vlachodimos.
Tension increased throughout the match, and Greece, the 2004 Euro champions, also had their chances, including a header from Anastasios Bakasetas after a corner that was saved by Giorgi Mamardashvili, who later deflected a shot from Bakasetas himself.
It was with the support of their fans that Georgia managed to break the tie, taking advantage of a Greek defensive error that allowed Georges Mikautadze to send a precise cross to Zuriko Davitashvili, who failed incredibly in front of the goal.
With the score tied after 90 minutes of regulation and extra time, the classification was decided on penalties. Mamardashvili saved Greece’s second penalty, taken by Bakasetas, while Mikautadze missed Georgia’s third penalty, but Giorgos Giakoumakis also missed Greece’s fourth penalty.
Midfielder Nika Kvekveskiri scored the decisive penalty, unleashing euphoria among the fans present, who invaded the playing field in a massive celebration.
Led by French coach Willy Sangol, the Georgians obtained this historic achievement, since since independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, they had never participated in a senior team tournament.
Now, the Georgians will have the opportunity to compete in the Euro Cup that will take place in Germany from June 14 to July 14, joining Poland and Ukraine as the other two teams that secured their ticket on this day.
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