VIDEO: Georgia joins Portugal after unprecedented qualification

On penalties, Georgia found the path to history, to the despair of Vlachodimos, Greece’s greatest hero

Portugal’s group for this summer’s European Championship is complete. Georgia, from Kvaratskhelia, joins the national team, as do Turkey and Czechia, in Group F.

After eliminating Luxembourg (2-0), the men led by Frenchman Willy Sagnol, 47, gave the coach a new birthday gift, and some heartfelt heartache, as the unprecedented place in the European Championship was sealed on penalties.

Among the Greeks – who previously eliminated Kazakhstan (5-0) – Vlachodimos was a starter.

In Tsibili, Georgia targeted the other goal on more occasions in the first half, with five shots, although only two forced Vlachodimos to apply himself. In any case, at 44m, the former Benfica player was forced to use every inch to ward off the danger.

In view of the growing tension, even due to the practically full benches, the whistle for rest was given with confrontations between the benches. In the confusion, Georgian Giorgi Loria – this afternoon’s substitute goalkeeper – was sent off.

In the second half, it was the Greeks who took control of the match, shooting at any opportunity. However, the success was null. On the other side, Georgia closed the defensive line, looking for any opportunity to counterattack. But without success. As such, and because there was a knot to untie, the meeting continued.

Vlachodimos and Mavropanos headed for another outcome

The first part of extra time was a mirror of regular time. Georgia’s brilliant entry, with initiatives led by Kvaratskhelia and Davitashvili, was stopped by Vlachodimos.

Minutes later, at 103m, central Mavropanos, following a corner, headed the ball against the bar. Until the break, Lazaros Rota appeared alone in the area, but shot over.

In the final restart of the match, Vlachodimos was once again a hero, denying Davitashvili happiness, closing the first half, after shooting close to the final line. Amidst a lot of fatigue, Kvaratskhelia left the match with muscle complaints, being replaced by Kvilitaia, at 109m.

In a last-ditch effort to avoid penalties, Tsitaishvili tested the reflexes of Vlachodimos, who, once again, denied the hosts’ attempt.

Kvekveskiri for eternity

At decision time, Mamardashvili stopped the Greeks’ first penalty, taken by Bakasetas. The hosts’ success was interrupted with the third shot, when Mikautadze shot wide, allowing Bouchalakis to restore equality (2-2).

However, temporary, as destiny seemed to point towards history. Faced with the mistake of the Greek Giakoumakis, Kvekveskiri ruled the tie, even though Vlachodimos intercepted the trajectory of the shot.

It was more than enough reason to start the party in Tbilisi, with hundreds of fans occupying the lawn, amid hugs and tears. Georgia will be the only team making its debut at this summer’s European Championship, which will take place in Germany.

Review the history of this match here.