The roar that erupted across Tbilisi on a tense March night wasn’t just noise; it was the sound of a nation’s dream finally being realized. For Georgia, qualifying for their first-ever major tournament, Euro 2024, was a moment of pure, unadulterated footballing catharsis. At the heart of this historic achievement is midfielder Otar Kiteishvili, whose journey from nervous spectator in a penalty shootout to national hero encapsulates the spirit of this remarkable team. Here on Krikya, we dive deep into the emotions, the tactics, and the family bond that propelled Georgia onto Europe’s biggest stage.
The Agony and Ecstasy of Qualification
Imagine the tension: 120 minutes of grueling football against Greece, your country’s entire footballing history hanging in the balance, and you’re watching from the sidelines. This was the reality for Otar Kiteishvili. Substituted after 104 minutes of their crucial Euro 2024 qualifying play-off, he could only watch as his teammates stepped up for penalties.
“I was hot and then I was cold,” Kiteishvili recalls, describing the physical manifestation of his nerves. “But I always had a feeling that we would do it.” That feeling was proven right when Nika Kvekveskiri’s penalty hit the net, sealing a 4-2 shootout victory. The scenes that followed in the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena and across Georgia were nothing short of legendary. “I lost everyone,” Kiteishvili says with a laugh, describing a pitch invasion of pure joy. “I walked very slowly towards the tunnel, just trying to soak in every single memory.”
This victory was more than just a game; it was a national event. Upon returning home, Kiteishvili and his teammates were awarded the Order of Honour. “You do feel it,” he admits. “It is everything for the people.” For a generation of Georgian players who once thought major tournament football was “impossible,” especially after a heartbreaking play-off defeat to North Macedonia for Euro 2020, this was redemption. “We got a second chance,” Kiteishvili states, “and we took it.”
Building a Family: The Willy Sagnol Effect
Qualification wasn’t a fluke; it was the culmination of a carefully managed project. After the disappointment of missing Euro 2020, the Georgian Football Federation initiated a rebuild, bringing in younger talent and appointing former Bayern Munich and France defender Willy Sagnol as head coach. His impact, according to Kiteishvili, has been transformative.
Sagnol’s vast experience—a Champions League winner and World Cup finalist—brought a crucial sense of calm to the squad. “He always found the right words for us before, during and after the game,” Kiteishvili explains. “This calmness, somehow it came on us also. As a coach, you need to bring this psychological mentality to the team. That is what he did.”
The result is a unit that feels more like a family than just a team. “Right now, the most important thing is that I see us as a family,” Kiteishvili emphasizes. “There is a really good energy. We have fun when we are together. Not only training and playing, but we like spending time together.” This strong team cohesion, a point often highlighted by pundits on Krikya, could be Georgia’s secret weapon in a tough group.
The Kvaratskhelia Factor and Midfield Mastery
While teamwork is paramount, Georgia possesses a genuine world-class talent who can turn a game in an instant: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Napoli winger, known as “Kvara,” is the team’s undisputed star and leader. Kiteishvili, who played with a 16-year-old Kvaratskhelia at Dinamo Tbilisi, has watched his evolution firsthand.
“He was always special,” Kiteishvili remembers. “What Kvara is now is something else. He is a world-class player right now. He makes the main difference. When he is on the pitch, we believe always that he makes something special [happen] out of nothing.” Containing Kvaratskhelia will be the primary objective for every opponent Georgia faces in Germany.
However, Kiteishvili himself is a crucial component in the Georgian engine room. A fan favorite at Austrian club Sturm Graz for his creativity and work ethic, he brings intelligence and relentless energy to the midfield. “I try to read the game,” he says of his role. “I work hard on and off the pitch, giving it 100 per cent. That is probably my biggest quality. I am ready to give 100 per cent for my team and my country.” His ability to control the tempo and link play will be vital in supporting the attack and shielding the defense.
The Group F Challenge: No Time for Holidays
Georgia’s historic debut will be tested immediately in a formidable Group F. Their campaign kicks off against Turkey in Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park, an arena that will be rocking with passionate support from both nations.
Jun 18: Turkey vs Georgia, Dortmund
Jun 22: Georgia vs Czech Republic, Hamburg
Jun 26: Georgia vs Portugal, Gelsenkirchen
Kiteishvili is under no illusions about the task ahead. “We are not going there for holidays. We are going for the points,” he asserts. The first match is paramount. “We need to play well, bring our best performances. The most important thing is that we have these big emotions from the game against Greece. We need to move past it and focus.”
The final group game offers a tantalizing subplot: a potential showdown with the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal. “I am looking forward to playing against him,” Kiteishvili admits. “When you play against top-class players, you see different things. I hope we can make him complain a lot and not score a goal against us!”
Otar Kiteishvili battling for Georgia in a previous international match
Georgia’s Euro 2024 Dream: A Nation’s Belief Meets Football’s Biggest Stage
The journey from that nerve-shredding penalty shootout to the stadiums of Germany is a testament to Georgian resilience. For Otar Kiteishvili and his teammates, Euro 2024 is not just a participation award; it’s a platform. “It is a big thing what we did but we have to keep progressing,” he says. While acknowledging the challenge of tournament inexperience, he believes in the group’s potential: “We have a team where I think we can cause some surprises, hopefully.”
The analysis you find on Krikya champions stories like this—where passion, tactical discipline, and team spirit converge to create footballing magic. Georgia arrives at Euro 2024 as the ultimate underdog, but with a family bond, a world-class game-changer, and the unwavering support of a nation, they are ready to write their own fairy tale.
What do you think? Can Georgia spring a surprise in Group F? Who are you most excited to see play? Share your predictions and join the conversation in the comments below, and don’t forget to explore more in-depth tournament coverage right here on Krikya.
