Georgia's new heroes were lavished with a massive crowd as they travelled through the capital in an open bus to Freedom Square for a welcoming ceremony for the national team, in whose honour fireworks were set off.
"We all gathered to thank our players for the positive emotions and their excellent debut game," said the head of the presidential administration, Levan Zhorzholiani. He added that Georgia is proud of its footballers.
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili also took part in the tribute to the national team, to whose members she presented orders of honour for their "historic feat" and the "popularisation of football".
Zurabishvili decorated the players and assured that they are not only rewarded by the authorities, but also by the people.
"We had an unforgettable adventure in Germany. We, a debutant team, showed our identity and fulfilled our main mission, because after our performance at the EURO, the people of Georgia can be proud," said Georgian national team midfielder and Levante player Giorgi Kochorashvili. "We are happy and hope to show even better results in the future," he added.