Georgia’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia feels talking to Ronaldo before their match against Portugal inspired them to stun Portugal and qualify for the round of 16 of Euro 2024 on Wednesday. Georgia registered a 2-0 win against the Euro 2016 champions with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scoring the first goal within the opening two minutes.
Georges Mikautadze then scored from spot-kick in the 57th minute to give a 2-0 lead to his team. Kvaratskhelia also got Ronaldo’s shirt after the victory and revealed he idolises the Portuguese star
“I got Ronaldo’s jersey and we’ve made it through to the next round,” said Kvaratskhelia, who labelled the Portugal No.7 his boyhood idol before the game, in a news conference via a translator.
“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.
“No one would believe we could beat Portugal but that’s why we’re a strong team; if there’s even a 1% chance, we’ve shown we can make it happen.
“Before the match there was a meeting [with Ronaldo] and he wished me success; I’d never imagine he would come and talk to me.
“He’s a great player and a great person. That’s why he’s a great personality in and out of football; I have so much respect for him, he’s one of the best players in the world.
“When he comes to talk to you before the match, that’s amazing; that helped us believe we could do something today.”
Kvaratskhelia has also won the Serie A title with Napoli in 2023 but feels a win against Portugal is the best day of his life.
“The Scudetto was a memorable moment for me but I’m happier today because when you’re playing for your country, it makes you so proud, though I was so happy with both,” he added.
“This is the happiest day of my life; winning the title was my dream and this was my dream as well. It’s difficult to put my emotions into words, I’m just so happy.”
Georgia will face Spain in the round of 16 at the RheinEnergieStadion on Sunday.
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