Euro 2024 Thrillers: Poland, Ukraine & Georgia Clinch Spots

The road to Euro 2024 took several thrilling turns on Tuesday as Poland, Ukraine, and Georgia secured their places at next year’s finals with gripping playoff victories. Here’s a recap of the drama:

Poland Edge Wales on Penalties After Stalemate

The Cardiff City Stadium was the setting for a tense battle between Wales and Poland. Neither side could find a breakthrough after 120 cagey minutes, forcing the tie to be decided from the penalty spot.

It was Poland who held their nerve, with goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny emerging as the hero. The Juventus shot-stopper saved Daniel James’ sudden death spot-kick to send the Polish contingent into delirium after a 5-4 shootout win.

For Wales, it was a bitterly disappointing end to their Euro 2024 qualification quest. Robert Page’s men will regret not capitalizing on Kieffer Moore’s second-half header that was brilliantly tipped over by Szczesny.

Ukraine Comeback Stuns Iceland

Ukraine displayed their resilient spirit once again, overcoming a 1-0 deficit to beat Iceland 2-1 in Wroclaw and punch their ticket to a fourth consecutive European Championship finals.

Albert Gudmundsson’s stunning opener had given Iceland a shock lead, but Ukraine refused to lie down. Viktor Tsygankov equalized after the break before teenage star Mykhailo Mudryk sealed the comeback victory five minutes from time.

Having already recovered from behind to defeat Bosnia and Herzegovina in the semifinals, Ukraine’s mental fortitude shone through to set up a Group E clash with Belgium, Romania and Slovakia.

Georgia Make History by Edging Greece on Penalties

In Tbilisi, Georgia created a piece of history by qualifying for their first ever major tournament thanks to a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout win over 2004 European champions Greece.

With the two sides locked at 0-0 after 120 tension-filled minutes, spot-kicks were required to split them. Giorgi Mamardashvili was Georgia’s hero, saving from Tasos Bakasetas, while Nika Kvekveskiri slotted home the decisive kick.

Euphoric scenes greeted the final whistle as Georgia’s dream of reaching a major finals became reality at last. They will take their place in Group F alongside Turkey, Portugal and Czechia.

Euro 2024 in Germany is shaping up to be a festival packed with storylines following these hugely entertaining playoff ties. The qualifying journey has been a roller-coaster - surely the finals will deliver even more drama.