Tbilisi erupts in celebration as Georgia advance at Euro 2024

The Georgian capital Tbilisi erupted in celebration on Wednesday night after the national side completed a stunning victory over Portugal that propelled them into the last 16 of the European Championships in Germany.

Georgia's 2-0 win over Portugal in their final group match drew people out onto the streets, waving Georgian flags from car windows in celebration and letting off fireworks.

It is the first time Georgia have ever qualified for an international tournament, let alone advanced beyond the group stage.

"It's incredible, I can't describe it in words. You should see what happens in the dressing room," the President of the Football Federation, Levan Kobiashvili, told Georgia's Interpress.

In Tbilisi, amid blaring horns, people could be heard chanting "Sakartvelo!", the local word for the country's name.

"The boys really gave us a miracle. Everyone deserves more than thanks. It's a wonder," Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze told reporters.

"They fought until the end and apart from the fight, it was proven once again that Georgians have football talent."

At Liberty Square, videos on social media showed hundreds of cars gathered, creating a traffic jam around the area, with fans climbing and standing on the St. George Statue to celebrate the historic moment.

Georgia's journey continues on Sunday in Cologne, when Spain await them in the round of 16.