Coach Sagnol: "The position of a small team helps Georgia make history"

Highlight Georgia 2-0 Portugal

Coach Willy Sagnol's team defeated Portugal (who were ranked 68 places above them in the FIFA rankings) 2-0 thanks to goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze. In their first Euro appearance, Georgia booked their place in the round of 16.

HLV Sagnol: Vị thế của đội bóng nhỏ giúp Georgia làm nên lịch sử - 1 — Georgia made history by advancing from the group stage in their first ever Euro appearance (Photo: Getty)

Speaking after the match, coach Sagnol said being the underdog in the tournament also has its advantages: "When you are a small team, you know you have nothing to lose.

The only thing we said before the tournament was that whatever happened, we didn't want to have any regrets at the end of the tournament. We came to Germany to enjoy the tournament our way.

So my players don't have any burden on their shoulders. It would be very difficult if we were France, England, Spain or Portugal, because you have the pressure of people expecting you to win.

Our only responsibility was to make Georgia proud of its players. And I think we did it in the best way possible," Georgia coach Willy Sagnol said.

Georgia won a well-deserved victory thanks to their determination and discipline. They did not have much chance of advancing after losing to Türkiye and drawing with the Czech Republic, but the victory over Portugal helped Georgian football make history.

"When you look at our bench, it's not a quality squad but the players are extraordinary and they make me happy. I think the group stage is our maximum target but football is unpredictable," said coach Sagnol.

HLV Sagnol: Vị thế của đội bóng nhỏ giúp Georgia làm nên lịch sử - 2 — The 2-0 victory over Portugal made coach Sagnol's team one of the four best third-placed teams to advance to the round of 16 of Euro 2024 (Photo: Getty)

As a player, coach Sagnol played for Bayern Munich and played with the French national team in the 2006 World Cup final. The 47-year-old strategist said it was difficult to think about bringing Georgia to the last 16 of Euro this year and the victory over Portugal was a miracle.

"Maybe because we were so focused on the game, we couldn't feel the excitement. But today, I'm very proud of my players, for what they showed not only today but also in the match against the Czech Republic, the match against Türkiye and in any other match.

Spain are a very strong opponent, they performed excellently in the group stage. I am not sure if Georgia can win or not but we will do our best against a team with tradition and strength like Spain," said the Georgia coach.

In the round of 16, Georgia will face three-time European champions Spain. The match will take place at 02:00 on July 1 at Rhein Energie Stadion (Cologne, Germany).