Inspired By Ronaldo, Georgia Clinches Historic Win Against Portugal In Euro 2024
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia shared that a pre-match conversation with Cristiano Ronaldo inspired him before scoring in Georgia's historic Euro 2024 win over Portugal. Georgia, making their major tournament debut, advanced to the last 16 as one of the best third-place finishers. Kvaratskhelia's early goal and Georges Mikautadze's penalty secured their biggest result ever.
"I got Ronaldo's jersey and we've made it through to the next round," Kvaratskhelia told reporters. "This is the best day in the lives of Georgian football fans. We've made history; no one would believe we'd make it happen."
Georgia will face Spain in the next round after becoming the first European nation to progress from the group stage at their maiden tournament since Iceland reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2016. Speaking after the game, Napoli winger Kvaratskhelia said overcoming his childhood idol made Wednesday's victory even more special.Before the match, there was a meeting with Ronaldo where he wished me success; I never imagined he would come and talk to me," Kvaratskhelia said. "He's a great player and person, which is why he's such a respected figure in football."
"No one would believe we could beat Portugal but that's why we're a strong team; if there's even a one per cent chance, we've shown we can make it happen," Kvaratskhelia added.
28% - Georgia had just 28% possession in their victory over Portugal; the lowest by a team to win at the UEFA European Championship on record (since 1980). Resistance. #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/8NTTWh1Xug
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 26, 2024
Ronaldo’s Struggles
While Kvaratskhelia shone in Gelsenkirchen, Ronaldo struggled as he failed to score from three shots worth 0.21 expected goals (xG). This marks the first time Ronaldo has failed to score during the group stage of a major tournament in his career. He previously scored in group-stage matches at five World Cups (2006-2022) and five Euros (2004-2020).Kvaratskhelia expressed immense respect for Ronaldo, stating that his words before the match helped boost their belief they could achieve something significant that day.0 - Cristiano Ronaldo has failed to score in the group stage of a major international tournament (World Cup/EUROs) for the first time in his career. Frustration. #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/47DGxybAs4
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 26, 2024
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