Billionaire announces $10m reward for Georgia as they reach Euro 2024 knockouts, ready to double amount if they defeat Spain - Reports
As per L'Equipe, former Georgian prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili has announced a $10 million prize for the Georgia men's national team after they reached the Euro 2024 Round of 16. Ivanishvili, who is a billionaire businessman, is reportedly ready to double that amount if the Crusaders manage to beat Spain in the last 16 of the competition.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Co. did the unthinkable when they defeated Portugal 2-0 in their final group game of Euro 2024. They finished third in Group F and progressed as one of the four best third-placed teams.
Georgian players are set to receive a huge sum for their achievements in the continental competition and could double it if they can cause yet another upset by beating in-form Spain in the Round of 16.
Kvaratskhelia (2') and Georges Mikautadze (57' P) scored for the Crusaders in the game against Portugal.
Giorgi Mamardashvili, on the other hand, had a spectacular outing between the sticks. Mamardashvili made multiple exceptional saves, including one from Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot.
Heading into the tournament, Georgia were the lowest ranked team in the competition (74 as per FIFA rankings). This is their first appearance in a major tournament and they will face Spain in the Euro 2024 Round of 16 on Sunday, June 30, at the RheinEnergieStadion.
Georgia manager Willy Sagnol issues bold statement ahead of his team's Euro 2024 clash against Spain
Former France full-back Willy Sagnol is the current head coach of Georgia. Sagnol has done an exceptional job with the Crusaders at Euro 2024 so far and has stated that his side will put up a fight against Spain.
Addressing the media after the unlikely win against Portugal, Sagnol said (via RFI):
"Spain is probably the best team in the first round so it's another challenge for us. For sure we are going to fight to the last minute as we have done since the beginning of the competition."
Luis de la Fuente's side won all three of their group games, emerging with a perfect record from a group including Croatia, Italy, and Albania. However, Georgia can't be taken lightly by anyone, as their performance against Portugal showed.