Georgia Qualifies for Euro 2024, Making History
In a historic moment for Georgian football, the national team has qualified for the Euro 2024 tournament, set to take place in Germany this summer. The Crusaders secured their place in the prestigious European Championship after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Greece in the play-off final, held at the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena in Tbilisi on March 26.
The moment was met with unbridled celebrations from the 44,000 ecstatic supporters packed into the stadium, as the team made their long-awaited return to a major tournament.
This milestone achievement comes three decades after Georgia’s independence from the Soviet Union, and 14 failed attempts to reach World Cups and European Championships. The closest they had come was the heartbreaking defeat to North Macedonia in the Euro 2020 play-offs, held at the same venue but behind closed doors due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Prime Minister’s Remarks
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze hailed the occasion as a historic moment, declaring that the country’s top civic award, the Order of Honour, would be bestowed upon the players, coaching staff, and the entire Georgian Football Federation. “History was truly written,” the premier remarked, capturing the immense pride and joy felt by the nation.
Player Reactions
Guram Kashia, Georgia’s most-capped player with 112 appearances since 2009, expressed his elation at finally achieving the long-awaited dream of reaching a major tournament. The 36-year-old Slovan Bratislava centre-back admitted that he had planned to retire from international football had they failed to overcome Greece.
The squad’s success is a testament to the leadership of head coach Willy Sagnol, a former French international and Bayern Munich defender, who has instilled a newfound resilience and belief in the team. His assistant, English coach David Webb, praised the unwavering support of the Georgian fans, who created an electric atmosphere that became the “12th man” for the team during the tense penalty shootout.
Looking Ahead to Euro 2024
Georgia’s journey to Euro 2024 has captured the imagination of football fans worldwide, with the team’s dynamic winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Serie A’s MVP for the 2022-23 season, set to lead the charge as the nation’s new talisman. Comparisons have already been drawn to the legendary exploits of Gheorghe Hagi and Hristo Stoichkov, who inspired Romania and Bulgaria respectively in the 1990s.
As the Crusaders prepare to make their debut on the European stage, facing the challenges of a daunting group against the likes of Portugal, Turkey, and Czech Republic, the entire country will be united in their support, eager to witness the next chapter of this remarkable football fairytale.
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