Georgian star Kakha played for AC Milan. That year, Kaladze was overwhelmed with emotion: "Latvia can enter a European country, so can we." After 20 years of waiting it has finally happened. Despite the factors of expansion and tournament reform, it was not easy for the small country.
In the 2024 European Nations Outside Playoff Route C, Georgia defeated Luxembourg 2-0 at home and Greece 0(4)-2)0 after a home PK. This was the first time in the history of the tournament that Georgia reached the European Nations Competition.
After the match, Napoli winger Khvicha celebrated Giorgiorgior, Kvaratskhelia and Watford midfielder Chakvetadze led the way with a traditional Georgian dance, the lezginka. Their movements were a bit raw, but once they invested in it, they immediately blossomed into a powerful energy. Then K77 would be the substitute, as Donetsk Miners' right back Giorgi Gocholeishvili had rolled out, a little awkward at first, but once invested, as high as a senior. While perhaps K77 represents the skill of Georgian soccer, Giorgi Gocholeishvili reflects the mentality of the players at this time of year. Their hearts may lack the confidence based on the game, but they harbor a passionate and spirited desire to perform.
After eight attempts at out-of-conference matches, Georgia finally realized their dream. They were the envy of Croesusia, which became independent and established a football federation in 1991. The two small countries have similar populations, but their weight in soccer history is markedly different.
After two generations, Georgia is celebrating a golden age and a golden era.
Although far less successful in soccer than humans, Georgia is not without its stars, but they have never appeared in the main international competitions: apart from Kakha, who won two Champions League titles with AC Milan Kaladze, there is also Levan, the Brigade midfielder ArchiliKobiashvili and the Cologne striker Archili Arveladze. their playing days left everyone with the impression that they were more industrious and versatile, but lacked creativity and were two of the strongest players in the national team Kaladze and Levan Kobiashvili still specialize at left back, so the latter tends to occupy the central position of the number 10.
The new generation of Georgian players is clearly different. Two of the best players in the current team are known for their explosiveness and strong individual abilities, which is one of the selling points that have made them the stars of European soccer.
Having helped Napoli's absolute mainstay win the title again for 33 years last season, winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's ability to break and finish is undoubtedly Georgia's sharpest weapon. A national team number one player worth €80 million, his position relies more on the middle of the field as a shadow winger, taking full advantage of his shooting.
While K77 was replaced in an extended match with a muscle injury prior to the PK Battle, which may have affected his subsequent club matches, the injury may not have been serious, judging by his post-fight celebratory efforts. After the match, K77 called the night one of the happiest moments of his life. He has been incredibly lucky over the past two years. As well as helping Napoli regain the Boxing Day title and then leading Georgia into their first European competition, he also announced in passing that he would be a new father, which is arguably a lucky star.
The same strong physical ability, and tall Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. after the 'relegation specialists' currently forging the chain value has risen to 35 million euros. Although the 12-yard punt left something to be desired, Giorgi Mamardashvili broke out in a concentrated burst in the crucial battle against Greece, especially PK's successful save in the first round. After the match, he said that he had known that AEK Athens striker Anastasios was the opposing penalty. Since he had kicked to the same corner four times in a row, Bakasetas would kick in that direction.
Giorgi Mamardashvili's sharpshooting also helped boost the team's morale considerably, as his teammates went 4 for 5 on free throws.
For what these two are capable of at the moment, it's only a matter of time before they're headhunted by the giants, depending on whether or not this tournament can raise their value once again.
Talking about luck, Georgia did have a kind of luck this year 'it's always their turn to get promoted' just like in their last out-of-conference playoff, where they won their home game and took the lead in the final and in the single round of the tournament system. However, the first thing Georgia should be thankful for is the UEFA reforms. They should be seen as an example of relying on the mechanism of European Union matches for profit. On the one hand, the group rule allows Georgia to avoid being a strong team and play more often against draws or even weaker opponents. On the other hand, the most important and motivating rule of the European Union for small national teams is that as long as they finish at the top of each group, they get the play-off places in order. Georgia finished first in Group C4 of the European Union, plus the play-off route C
Georgia's rise is no coincidence and it has to do with the importance they place on soccer development as they sadly lost to North Macedonia in the final of the last play-offs.
