The eastern European nation with a population of four million, playing in a major tournament for the first time, registered the biggest win in their existence as goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze in either half ensured they finished third in Group F. That saw them qualify for the last 16 where they will play Spain, while Portugal meet Slovenia. Keane is often begrudging in his praise, but he was quick to salute Willy Sagnol’s well-drilled side as he reflected on their improvement since he was a part of the Ireland set-up that took on Georgia in the Euro 2016 European Championship qualifiers. ‘Georgia haven’t done it by being a grueller’ – group stage review with Daniel McDonnell and Seán O’Connor | Today at the Euros
“We came up against them with Ireland. You thought ‘they’re not bad, they’re neat and tidy, they have improved’. But the quality of their attacking players has improved the last few years,” Keane told ITV Sport. “It was everything you’d want from a team performance, the fight, the desire, the energy, and the quality. The quality was there. “You talk about wanting to play on the counterattack, you’ve got to have runners and players willing to run ahead of the ball. It was fantastic, well deserved. “A great night for them. These countries have made great progress over the last few years, but this is obviously a huge highlight for them. They’ve been close, they have that extra bit of quality. “They’re really enjoyable to watch, they play some good stuff.”
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou was also in the ITV Sport studio and he added to the praise flowing in the direction of the underdogs. “Fully deserved, Georgia were outstanding tonight – good football and energy,” said Postecoglou. “Defending when they needed to and outstanding goalkeeping. The goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is someone that everyone is tracking, he has had a good season at Valencia. Georgia fully deserved to progress.”
