“Are you human?” - Fabrizio Romano left stunned by Georgia star during win against Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano was left stunned by the performance of Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili after they secured a stunning 2-0 win over Portugal. The Italian commented on the Valencia star's post on Instagram:
"Are you human?"
Mamardashvili was a rock between the sticks, proving impenetrable and suffocating the Portugal attack in their Euro 2024 clash on June 26. He made five saves, helping his side keep a clean sheet in a win. They finished third in Group F and secured qualification as one of the four best third-placed sides.
After a stellar outing against Czechia where he made 11 saves, the 23-year-old has established himself as one of the best players in the world at his position. Along with a resolute backline, Georgia frustrated the Selecao, who had heavily rotated their side after guaranteeing the top spot in the group from their first two games.
On the other end, Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Metz's Georges Mikautadze got on the scoresheet for Georgia. They helped hand the Eastern European side a famous win over Portugal. The result marks the first time the nation has moved to the knockout stages in any major tournament in their first appearance at the Euros. They are set to face Spain in the Round of 16 on June 30.
Portugal's path to the final of Euro 2024 revealed after final Group F clash against Georgia
Portugal's likely opponents through the knockouts have been revealed after their 2-0 loss to Georgia in their third and final clash in the group stage. Despite the defeat, the Selecao finished on top of Group F, with earlier wins over Turkey and Czechia helping them finish with six points.
Cristiano Ronaldo's side face a rather difficult route to the final, drawn on the same side of the draw as European heavyweights such as France, Germany, and Spain. First up, they will face Slovenia in the Round of 16, who qualified as one of the four best third-place teams from Group C, on July 1.
If they win, a clash against France awaits the Selecao in the quarterfinals should Les Bleus advance past Belgium in their first knockouts clash. Meanwhile, prospective semifinal opponents include Spain, Germany, Denmark, or Georgia, indicating what could be a hard route to the final for Roberto Martinez's side.
They will be keen on repeating their antics from the 2016 edition of the tournament, where they ended up as winners.