Georgia fans at Euro 2024 will be the first supporters from the country ever to watch their team compete in a major tournament.
The nation have never qualified for the World Cup, nor the European Championships, in their entire history and their supporters will likely be in party mode regardless of how far they make it at Euro 2024.
A guide to Georgia fans at Euro 2024
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Georgia make history
Before delving into the fans, there is only one place to start – and that is the moment the current Georgia squad secured their spot in the Euro 2024 finals. A long qualifying campaign ended in perhaps the most nerve-racking scenario possible – a penalty shootout between Georgia and Greece to decide who qualifies for the tournament.
Thankfully, Georgia emerged as 4-2 victors to seal their fate, sending the entire country into a frenzy. After the celebrations had subdued, many of the players were keen to praise the passionate Georgian fanbase for the role they played.
Speaking after the game, Napoli forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia said: “Thanks to the Georgian fans. I've played in many stadiums but I haven't seen such support anywhere. You were the most important factor.”
So, if you were thinking that the small country of Georgia would lack a dedicated, passionate fanbase – you were wrong, very wrong.
Georgia fans at Euro 2024 will be among the most passionate
‘Our dream has come true'
Georgian football fans took to the streets of Tbilisi to celebrate their historic qualification for Euro 2024. Thousands thronged the city, waving flags and chanting to celebrate their shootout win over Greece, which booked their major tournament debut pic.twitter.com/FiAAwt7MEj
— Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) March 27, 2024
Despite not ever qualifying for a major international tournament prior to Euro 204, Georgia have long possessed an extremely passionate fanbase that many countries would envy.
Failure and heartbreak had become the norm for the nation's fans, and in a lot of cases, that would eventually result in dwindling support for the national team as supporters became less and less motivated to cheer their team on.
However, the exact opposite seems to have occurred in Georgia. Now, perhaps more than ever, the fans are right behind the team and as Kvaratskhelia alluded, that was a vital factor in their qualification for Euro 2024.
They stormed the pitch after their penalty shootout victory over Greece and will likely be incredibly vocal once the tournament gets underway. This is new to them, and they will want to make the most of it so be prepared for a lot of noise in games featuring Georgua.
A history of pitch invasions
#Georgia #EURO2024 Tbilisi celebrates as fans rush onto the stadium grounds after the final whistle.
Georgia secures its first-ever qualification for the European Football Championship, marking a historic moment.
Video: Sputnik pic.twitter.com/hxjftlAWFw— Boris Risojević (@BorisRisojevic) March 26, 2024
Pitch invasions – on the one hand, are an excellent way for a fanbase to demonstrate their passion for the team, but on the other hand, a massive risk to health and safety for all those involved and heavily frowned upon by governing bodies.
But, in spite of that, Georgian football fans have a track record of storming the pitch, meaning there is potential for another at Euro 2024.
In addition to their pitch invasion after qualifying for the tournament, Georgia supporters also ran onto the field in 2015 during a routine 2-0 defeat at the hands of Germany. There was no real reason for the pitch invasion, and it appeared the fans simply wanted to hug the players of both nations. A decision that ultimately resulted in UEFA fining the Georgian FA.
With that in mind, and given the intense emotions that often accompany major international tournaments, if the side were to advance out of the group stage, we may just see Georgia fans at Euro 2024 storming a pitch in Germany this summer. Keep your eyes peeled.