Burkina Faso
Indonesia
Lithuania
Montenegro
Nigeria
North Macedonia

Georgia2 - 0Portugal

sportsmole.co.uk, 27 June 2024, 09:18
Georgia head coach Willy Sagnol has revealed that he sent a clear and simple message to his players ahead of Wednesday's Euro 2024 contest with Portugal.

The Crusaders, competing in their first-ever major tournament, needed to beat Portugal in order to book their spot in the knockout round of the European Championship.

On a historic night for Georgian football, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze found the back of the net to secure a two-goal success over Roberto Martinez's side.

Sagnol has said that he told his players to "just play" and asked them to remember how they operated during their teenage years.

"Play your football, keep discipline when you don't have the ball and when you have it, just play," Sagnol said when asked about his pre-game message.

Georgia secure famous win over Portugal

"To some players, I even told them, remember when you were 16, 17, 18, you were playing without any foes, then do exactly the same. And I think they did it brilliantly today, above all expectations.

"There are benefits to being tournament underdogs. When you're the small team, you know you have nothing to lose.

"The only thing we said before the competition is whatever happened, we don't want any regrets after the competition, the regret of maybe not having played our football or maybe not having enjoyed the competition as much as we should have done.

"So, you have no weight on your shoulders. It's difficult when you're France, when you're England, when you're Spain, when you're Portugal, because you're under pressure, because people expect you to win.

"The only responsibility we had was to make the Georgian nation proud of their players. And I think we've done it the best way.

Georgia will face Spain in the round of 16

"When you look at our bench, it's not the most exciting in terms of football quality - but it is in terms of human quality. I'm very, very happy. I thought qualifying was our maximum but football is never written before."

Georgia's reward for overcoming Portugal is a clash against Spain in the round of 16, with that contest taking place on Sunday evening.

"We didn't even try to know before the match if we would win, we would play maybe against this team or maybe this team, because we're not like that," Sagnol added.

"We just take the things the way it comes. And Spain is coming. Spain is probably the best team of the first round. So it's another big challenge for us."

As a player, Sagnol was a World Cup finalist with France in 2006, while he famously turned out for German giants Bayern Munich during a successful club career.

27 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Germanyvs.Denmark
The second of two Euro 2024 last-16 ties taking place on Saturday, hosts Germany clash with Denmark at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund in the late kickoff.
27 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea transfer news: Nottingham Forest 'set' Murillo asking price
Nottingham Forest have reportedly informed Chelsea what it will take to sign defender Murillo during the summer transfer window.
27 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Transfer news and rumours: Fikayo Tomori to Newcastle United, Moussa Diaby to Al-Nassr, Marc Roca to Real Betis
Newcastle United have reportedly been told that they will have to come up with an offer of around £42m to sign AC Milan centre-back Fikayo Tomori during this summer's transfer window.
27 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United transfer news: Al-Hilal 'plotting' move for teenager
Manchester United may reportedly have to fend off interest from Alejandro Garnacho during the summer transfer window.
27 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea transfer news: Blues hit by striker setback amid Alexander Isak update
Chelsea are reportedly not actively pursuing a deal to sign Newcastle United's Alexander Isak due to the Magpies' mammoth price demands.
27 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Como's Cesc Fabregas 'keen to sign' Manchester United defender
Cesc Fabregas is reportedly spearheading Como's charge to sign a Manchester United defender during the summer transfer window.
27 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool suffer transfer blow as 27-year-old's next move confirmed
Liverpool have been dealt an early blow in the pursuit of one of their defensive targets, who has reportedly decided to join Borussia Dortmund.
27 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man City transfer news: Information 'requested' on £50m Grealish replacement
Manchester City have reportedly touched base to enquire over a £50m-rated attacker who could succeed Jack Grealish at the Etihad.
27 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Thursday's Transfer Talk Update: Scott McTominay, Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo
The transfer window is open! Clubs around the UK and Europe are getting business done as they look to give themselves the best possible chance at success in the new season.
27 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Euro 2024 today: Who is playing? How to watch? What to look out for?
Mere weeks after a gruelling domestic season concluded for the continent's most celebrated talents, 24 teams and over 600 players are now going again with Euro 2024 supremacy at stake.
27 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Euro 2024 table: Confirmed group standings, best third-placed teams, last 16 ties
The Euro 2024 group stage has now come to a close, with hosts Germany, holders Italy, Spain, England, France, and Portugal among the nations all booking their spots in the knockout stages of the continental gathering.
27 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Thursday's Brasileiro predictions including Fluminense vs. Vitoria
Fluminense vs. Vitoria (Thursday, 11.00pm) Fluminense and Vitoria, both struggling at the foot of the 2024 Brasileiro Serie A table, go head-to-head on Thursday at the Maracana. Both teams come into the fixture after defeats, and a win for either side could lift them out of the bottom four, depending on other results.
27 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Thursday's Copa America predictions including Panama vs. USA
Panama vs. USA (Thursday, 11.00pm) The USA can potentially qualify for the knockout stage of the Copa America on Thursday when they face Panama in matchday two action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. In their opening match, the tournament hosts had no trouble with Bolivia, winning 2-0, while Los Canaleros lost 3-1 to Uruguay.
27 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Nashvillevs.Inter Miami
Inter Miami can end the month unbeaten when they continue their MLS campaign on Saturday against Nashville SC at GEODIS Park.
27 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Montrealvs.Philadelphia
A pair of sides still seeking their first MLS wins this month will square off at Saputo Stadium on Saturday as CF Montreal host the Philadelphia Union.
27 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Atlantavs.Toronto
Atlanta United can end a seven-match winless run at Mercedes-Benz Stadium when they host Toronto in Major League Soccer action on Saturday.
27 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Vancouvervs.St Louis City
After a disappointing two-game road trip, the Vancouver Whitecaps return to BC Place Stadium on Saturday to host St Louis City.Vancouver dropped to ninth in the MLS Western Conference following a 2-0 defeat to the Portland Timbers, putting them three places above St Louis, who played to a 1-1 draw with Atlanta United the last time out.
27 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Euro 2024 best third-placed teams: Who is set to make it through to last 16?
The final round of Euro 2024 group matches have been completed and the 16 knockout round participants have been decided.
27 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Tromsovs.Molde
Molde will be looking to make it three away wins on the bounce on Friday when they visit Alfheim Stadion to face Tromso IL as action resumes in the Norwegian Eliteserien.
26 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea transfer news: Blues 'make enquiry' for Premier League striker
Chelsea have reportedly enquired over a potential transfer for Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak.
26 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United 'make contact' over move for former Sir Jim Ratcliffe winger
Manchester United have reportedly made an approach over a potential move for Bologna winger Dan Ndoye.
26 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Luke Shaw provides two-word injury update ahead of Slovakia last-16 clash
England defender Luke Shaw has insisted he will be available for Sunday's Euro 2024 last-16 clash against Slovakia.
26 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Oddvs.Kristiansund
Odd will welcome Kristiansund to the Skagerak Arena on Friday in the Norwegian Eliteserien, hoping for a victory to extend their lead over the relegation zone.
26 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Sligovs.Shamrock
Aiming to narrow their 10-point gap to the top two in the League of Ireland Premier Division table, Shamrock Rovers will travel to take on Sligo Rovers on Friday.
26 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Czech Republic1 - 2Turkey
Turkey claimed a dramatic 2-1 win over the Czech Republic to advance to the last 16 of Euro 2024 and eliminate their opponents in the process.
26 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
England next opponents at Euro 2024 confirmed as Three Lions learn last-16 fate
England have discovered who they will play in the last 16 of Euro 2024 as the group stages of this summer's tournament concluded on Wednesday night.
26 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Georgia2 - 0Portugal
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze scored the goals as Georgia recorded a 2-0 victory over Portugal on Wednesday evening to advance to the last-16 stage of Euro 2024.
26 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Shelbournevs.Galway United
Shelbourne are set to host Galway United at Tolka Park in the League of Ireland on Friday in a game that the hosts will hope to win in order to maintain their lead at the top of the table.
26 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Kalvin Phillips 'offered' Man City exit route despite concern from manager
Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips has reportedly been offered to Italian side Roma despite Daniele De Rossi's doubts over his fitness.
26 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal transfer news: Gunners 'place' club-record £50m price tag on attacker
Arsenal have reportedly placed a hefty £50m valuation on striker Eddie Nketiah.
26 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Slovakia1 - 1Romania
Slovakia and Romania secured their spot in the round of 16 at Euro 2024 after both games in Group E ended all square.
26 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Phil Foden leaves England Euro 2024 camp for birth of third child
England attacker Phil Foden has flown back to the United Kingdom for the birth of his third child.
26 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Ukraine0 - 0Belgium
Belgium navigated a safe passage to the last 16 of Euro 2024 despite flattering to deceive in a goalless draw with Ukraine - who have been knocked out of the competition - at the MHPArena in Stuttgart.
26 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea player admits disappointment over denial of Olympics chance
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has revealed that he "did everything possible" to represent Argentina at the 2024 Olympic Games.
26 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United 'appoint Swiss lawyer' in bid to sign Jean-Clair Todibo
Manchester United have reportedly hired a Swiss lawyer in a bid to complete a deal for Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo during this summer's transfer window.
26 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Four Man United players 'in line' for new contracts at Old Trafford
Manchester United will reportedly assess the futures of at least four first-team players once this summer's transfer window has closed for business.
Show more

Top News

8 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Aiming to continue their climb towards the top half of the La Liga table, Valencia will welcome Getafe to the Estadio de Mestalla on Saturday. 7 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique joked that his team comes from the "league of farmers" following their Champions League success over Arsenal on Wednesday night. 7 May 2025 talksport.com talkSPORT host Jason Cundy believes Arsenal may have a leadership problem on their hands. 7 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal have set a new unwanted club record following their defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals of the Champions League this evening. 7 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Mikel Arteta has claimed his Arsenal team have been the best in the Champions League this season, despite suffering elimination at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain this evening. 7 May 2025 talksport.com Mikel Arteta has been warned serious questions will be asked about his position as Arsenal manager after they crashed out of the Champions League. 7 May 2025 talksport.com French police deployed tear gas on unruly fans following Paris Saint-Germain's opening goal against Arsenal. 7 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Hoffenheim can take a significant step towards Bundesliga survival when they travel to Volkswagen Arena on Friday to play Wolfsburg. 7 May 2025 talksport.com Arsenal's wait for Champions League glory goes on as they suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the semi-finals to Paris Saint-Germain. 7 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Paris Saint-Germain will face Inter Milan in the Champions League final in Munich at the end of the month after finishing the job in the French capital at home to Arsenal in the second leg of their semi-final clash this evening, winning 2-1 at the Parc des Princes and advancing 3-1 on aggregate. 7 May 2025 talksport.com Ange Postecoglou claimed talking about Tottenham 'does crazy things to people', including former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. 7 May 2025 talksport.com Leeds United are reportedly interested in Everton striker Beto as they prepare for life in the Premier League. 7 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Tottenham Hotspur travel to Norway to face Bodo/Glimt at Aspmyra Stadion for the second leg of their Europa League semi-final tie on Thursday night. 7 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United welcome Athletic Bilbao to Old Trafford for the second leg of their Europa League semi-final tie on Thursday night. 7 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea take a whopping three-goal advantage into the second leg of their Conference League semi-final at home to Djurgardens IF at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night. 7 May 2025 talksport.com One time England manager Peter Taylor is continuing his management career into his 70s by accepting a new job. 7 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed their starting lineups for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final, and Ousmane Dembele has only been named on the bench for Les Parisiens. 7 May 2025 talksport.com A familiar voice will be missing when Paris Saint-Germain host Arsenal on Wednesday night as Rio Ferdinand is in hospital. 7 May 2025 talksport.com Arsenal take on Paris Saint-Germain tonight in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final, live on talkSPORT. 7 May 2025 talksport.com Arsenal's last hopes of winning a trophy were extinguished by Paris Saint-Germain who beat the Gunners 3-1 on aggregate to seal a place in the Champions League final. 7 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that James Maddison will miss the rest of the season with the knee injury he sustained in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final with Bodo/Glimt. 7 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United teenager Bendito Mantato has reportedly signed a new deal at Old Trafford until June 2029. 7 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United have reportedly been handed a boost in their pursuit of Brentford attacker Bryan Mbeumo, with Liverpool cooling their interest in the Cameroon international. 7 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City will be aiming to make it eight wins from nine in all competitions when they make the trip to St Mary's to face already-relegated Southampton on Saturday afternoon. 7 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Betis chief executive Ramon Alarcon has suggested that his club will find it difficult to sign Manchester United attacker Antony on a permanent basis during this summer's transfer window. 7 May 2025 talksport.com Bayern Munich legend Bastian Schweinsteiger said Harry Kane must win a Champions League to be considered a club great. 7 May 2025 talksport.com Liverpool should release Trent Alexander-Arnold from his contract early, but only for the club's sake. 7 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Inter Miami have reportedly ended their pursuit of Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne. 7 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Bournemouth have reportedly made a verbal offer to sign Nantes defender Nathan Zeze this summer. 7 May 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Fiorentina striker Moise Kean.