Euro 2008: Georgia shock Portugal

Georgia 2-0 Portugal

Tbilisi, 15 June 2008

Georgia pulled off one of the biggest shocks in UEFA European Championship history by beating Portugal 2-0 in their opening match of Group A on Sunday.

The Georgians, playing in their first major tournament, took the lead after just 15 minutes when Levan Kobiashvili fired home from close range. Portugal, who were runners-up in Euro 2004, equalised midway through the second half through Cristiano Ronaldo. However, Georgia grabbed a dramatic winner in the 87th minute when Malkhaz Asatiani headed home a corner.

The result leaves Portugal facing an uphill battle to qualify for the quarter-finals, while Georgia now have a great chance of reaching the last eight.

Conclusion

Georgia's victory was a major shock, but it was also a deserved one. The Georgians played with great passion and determination, and they were rewarded with a famous win.