Georgia is making football history in Germany.
Against the Czech Republic, the national team earned their first championship points, against Portugal came their first win – and now Spain awaits in the European Championship quarterfinals.
I'm very happy, we succeeded, says Chvitja Kvaratschelia after the 2–0 win.
Georgia needed to win to advance to the quarterfinals in Germany.
The team took the opportunity to make a lightning-fast start in Gelsenkirchen.
After 1.34 minutes, Chvitja Kvaratschelia scored one of the fastest goals in European Championship history and ensured Georgia took control of Portugal.
Extended on penalties
The Portuguese, already qualified for the next round and with rotations in the starting line-up, struggled to recover from the start and acted clumsily in their pursuit of an equaliser.
Chances came, but the finishes that didn't miss the goal were saved by the outstanding goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Instead, it was Georgia that struck.
Georges Mikautadze scored his third goal in the tournament when he distinctly converted a penalty to 2–0 in the 57th minute.
A goal that secured the win for Georgia, 74th in the international football federation Fifa's world ranking, and the European Championship in Germany has become Georgian football history.
+ The first points in a championship came in the 1–1 meeting with the Czech Republic.
+ The first win came against Portugal, sixth in the ranking.
+ The first advancement from the group stage came in the nation's first men's championship.
It was tough, Portugal is a good team, but I told everyone that we can win, that we're also a good team, that we can fight against everyone, says Chvitja Kvaratschelia in TV4 Play's broadcast.
I'm so proud, I'm so happy about the win... I'm so happy.
Next European Championship task for Georgia: Spain in the quarterfinals in Cologne on Sunday.
Turkey advances
The Czech Republic was, like Georgia, in need of three points to advance in Germany.
But unlike Georgia, the Czechs had a tough start in Hamburg.
Anonin Barak received two yellow cards and was sent off. Early in the second half came the next cold shower: Hakan Calhanoglu beautifully scored the leading goal for Turkey.
Tomas Soucek then equalised in the 66th minute, but in added time, Turkey's Cenk Tosun decided the match.
Thus, the Czech Republic's European Championship adventure is over, while Portugal, Turkey, and Georgia advance.
Quarterfinals, Saturday: Switzerland-Italy, 6 pm, and Germany-Denmark, 9 pm. Sunday: England-Slovakia, 6 pm, and Spain-Georgia, 9 pm. Monday: France-Belgium, 6 pm, and Portugal-Slovenia, 9 pm. Tuesday: Romania-Netherlands, 6 pm, and Austria-Turkey, 9 pm.
Quarterfinals will be played on 5 and 6 July. Semifinals on 9 and 10 July, and the final in Berlin on 14 July.
