Kvaratskhelia sends Georgia on way to last 16 after famous win over Portugal
So, this was the night Georgia advanced to the last 16 in their first appearance at major tournament courtesy of a magnificent victory over Portugal and one that will live long in the memory of the thousands of supporters who were here to witness history.
There will be a rich tapestry of lasting images from this win but the sight of Georgia’s substitutes’ bench emptying, reserve goalkeepers Giorgi Loria and Luka Gugeshashvili, too, streaming to mob Georges Mikautadze after his penalty earned a two-goal buffer is hard to top. Guram Kashia looked to the skies, kissed his wrist and beat his chest. Willy Sagnol, wearing a plain-white T-shirt, merely clenched his left fist. It is fair to say the celebrations back home and among those who made the trip will be rather more unrestrained.
