By Reinaldo Oliveros
Jun 29, 2024, 11:13 AM EDT
The Georgian national team was one of the big surprises of Euro 2024. Now, the team will receive up to $10 million dollars for having qualified for the round of 16.
After Georgia’s surprise 2-0 victory over Portugal, the Georgians secured a payment of $10 million dollars (30 million Georgian lari) for qualifying for the finals.
The money will be paid by Bidzina Ivanishvili, who founded the ruling Georgian Dream party. The leader stated in an interview that he will pay a similar sum if Georgia manages to win against Spain in the round of 16.
This was Georgia’s first participation in a European Championship and it managed to qualify for the decisive stages in its first year.
Ivanishvili, whose net worth is estimated by Forbes to be worth $4.9 billion in 2023, He also has French and Russian passports.
Mamardashvili believes that Georgia can endanger Spain
The Georgian Giorgi Mamardashvili, goalkeeper of Valencia, He said on Saturday that his team, despite not being the favourite, will pose a threat to Spain in the round of 16 of Euro 2024.
Mamardashvili, who this Friday told the Spanish press that his compatriot Khvicha Kvartaskhelia was better than all of Spain, Although in a calm and relaxed tone, with a smile, he maintained his statement.
“As a Georgian I am a fan of his and he is one of the best players in the world. He can win the Ballon d’Or. I respect the Spanish, I said it as a Georgian, because I think they are one of the best on the planet,” he declared at a press conference from the Rhein Energie Stadium in Cologne where the duel will be played.
The goalkeeper, one of the sensations of the Euro Cup, analyzed the match: “Spain will play an open match, on the attack, we will have to be good in defense and then we will concentrate on the attack.”
“We have players who can do damage. I am convinced that we will create danger”he added.
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