How much of a surprise can Georgia create at Euro 2024?

Georgia players celebrate a goal against Portugal in the match on June 26 - Photo: REUTERS

The Euro 2024 group stage has been filled with pleasant surprises, and Georgia is the clearest example.

When talking about Georgia "making history", fans also did not forget to be disappointed with the performance of a series of championship candidates such as England, France, or the Netherlands.

However, in the article on June 27, ESPN made a small note that may make many readers feel ironic for those who think that this Euro is an unpredictable football tournament: No matter how hard you look, you still cannot find a strong team eliminated from the group stage.

In other words, some people think that football in the era of globalization has helped teams narrow the gap in skill level and even make them play too similar. But in reality, few people believe that "phenomena" like Georgia or Austria can make a difference.

Leading the odds of winning the Euro 2024 Cup is England (20.8%, according to ESPN), followed by Germany and France (both 15.4%). Austria played impressively but was not highly rated, ranking 8th on this scale with 5.3%. "Dark horse" Georgia is rated... 0.4%.

As an underrated team, it is not surprising that Georgia's most obvious strength is their effective counter-attacking ability.

Georgia's squad has only three players currently playing in major football leagues, including Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli, Italy), Georges Mikautadze (Metz, France), and Giorgi Mamardashvili (Valencia, Spain). But remarkably, all three are playing well to excellently.

“Maradona” Kvaratskhelia has found a way to shine after a difficult start. Mikautadze has scored 3 goals and had 1 assist (leading the “top scorer” list), while Mamardashvili is the most impressive goalkeeper of the tournament, saving 21/25 shots on target.

However, when talking about Georgia's ability to win the championship, many people are pessimistic. Passing the group stage with the best goalkeeper in the tournament also reflects the difficulties that await Georgia.

With their hopes of counter-attacking, Georgia have not created many chances. And their success is certainly due to their excellent use of the few chances they do have: they are 21st in shots per shot, but 3rd in expected goals per shot. If Kvaratskhelia and Mikautadze keep up the good work, they will have hope.

Meanwhile, Georgia have conceded the most shots in the tournament (24th), with 23.7 shots per game. This is roughly in line with Portugal’s recent shots against Georgia. In addition, despite having a high expected goals ratio, Georgia have also conceded the most goals in the tournament.

If the numbers aren't on Georgia's side, then a miracle could be the factor to set expectations, as ESPN puts it.

Greece also won the Euro as a weaker team, why can't Georgia dream?

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/georgia-co-the-tao-bat-ngo-toi-dau-tai-euro-2024-20240627173443444.htm