Ukraine is headed towards the quarter-finals of the U21 European Championship. Co-favorite Portugal, on the other hand, is threatened with an early end.
The Portuguese did not get more than 1-1 (1-0) in the top game against the Netherlands and after the surprising defeat at the start against co-hosts Georgia (0-2) they remain at the bottom of Group A before the last matchday.
Portugal took the lead after 20 minutes through Andre Almeida before former Leipzig player Brian Brobbey (78′) equalized for “Oranje”.
Record crowd in Tbilisi at Georgia game
Meanwhile, in Tbilisi, in front of a record crowd of 41,887 spectators, Georgia managed another respectable win with a 2-2 (0-2) win over Belgium. Maxim de Cuyper (15′) and Largie Ramazani (38′) scored for the Belgians, while substitute Georhiji Tsitaishvili (51′) and Giorgi Guliashvili (87′) saved the draw.
This leaves everything open in Group A after two games: Georgia is four points ahead of Belgium and the Netherlands (2 each) and Portugal (1). The top two teams in each group advance to the Quarterfinals.
Ukraine celebrates second victory
In Group B, Ukraine is almost certain to reach the quarter-finals after beating Romania 1-0 (0-0) in Bucharest, after beating Croatia 2-0 (1-0) at the start. Spain can complete their own advancement and that of the Ukrainians with a win against the Croatians in the evening.