Shocking Euro 2024 Group Stage Ends with Georgia's Historic Upset of Portugal

Georgia's stunning 2-0 victory over powerhouse Portugal marked the biggest upset in Euros history, while Belgium, Romania, and Ukraine also qualified for the knockout stage on a dramatic final day of group play.

The Euro 2024 group stage concluded with a whirlwind of surprises and historic moments, as Georgia's stunning victory over Portugal sent shockwaves through the tournament. Here's a comprehensive recap of Wednesday's thrilling action:

Shocking Euro 2024 Group Stage Ends with Georgia's Historic Upset of Portugal

In a pulsating match, Romania defeated Slovakia 1-1 to secure first place in Group A for the first time ever. The victory propelled them into the knockout stage, marking their first such advancement since 2000. Slovakia, despite finishing on equal points, also qualified as a third-place team, advancing to the round of 16 for the first time since 2016.

Belgium and Ukraine played out a goalless draw, with Belgium finishing second in Group E and advancing to the knockout stage for the third straight Euros. Ukraine, despite accumulating four points, exited the tournament as the first team in Euros history to finish fourth in a group. Romelu Lukaku's goal drought extended, leaving him with the most shots (10) and shots on target (7) at Euro 2024 but still without a goal.

Shocking Euro 2024 Group Stage Ends with Georgia's Historic Upset of Portugal

In the most astonishing result of the tournament, Georgia shocked Portugal 2-0 to secure their historic first knockout stage appearance at a major tournament. The result marked the biggest upset in Euros history based on FIFA rankings, with Georgia ranked 68 places below Portugal. Portugal's talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo, failed to score in the Euros group stage for the first time in his illustrious career.

Turkey emerged victorious in a fiery encounter with Czechia, winning 2-1 to qualify for the knockout stage of a major tournament for the first time since 2008. Czechia's hopes were dashed, as they exited the competition after Antonin Barak received the earliest red card in Euros history. The match set a new record for cautions, with a total of 18 cards (16 yellows, 2 reds) dished out.

• Georges Mikautadze emerged as the tournament's leading scorer with three goals after his brace against Portugal, becoming only the ninth player to score in all three group games at a single Euro.

• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's goal for Georgia came in just 92 seconds, making it the fifth-fastest in Euros history.

• Portugal's starting 11 featured four players under the age of 23, the first time they've done so in a Euros match. The age gap between João Neves (19 years) and Cristiano Ronaldo (39 years) was the biggest between two outfield starters for a team in Euros history.