Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the hero of Georgia’s historic victory over Portugal in Euro 2024, revealed that a pre-match meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo played a significant role in inspiring belief within the team. The encounter with the Portugal star boosted Kvaratskhelia’s confidence and gave him the motivation to lead his team to a stunning 2-0 win against the Euro 2016 champions. With his goal just 92 seconds into the game and Georges Mikautadze sealing the victory with a penalty, Georgia secured a spot in the round of 16, setting up a showdown with Spain. The unexpected triumph marked Georgia’s debut in a major tournament, making it a day to remember for Georgian football fans.
Kvaratskhelia expressed his joy at receiving Ronaldo’s jersey and advancing to the next round of the tournament. He emphasized the historic nature of the win, highlighting the fact that nobody believed Georgia could defeat Portugal. However, the team’s unwavering belief and determination proved the doubters wrong. Kvaratskhelia’s admiration for Ronaldo, whom he considers his boyhood idol, added to the significance of the encounter between the two players. The Georgia forward praised Ronaldo not only for his footballing talent but also for his character off the pitch, showcasing his respect and admiration for the legendary player.
For Kvaratskhelia, who had previously tasted success with Napoli in Serie A, the victory over Portugal represented the pinnacle of his career. Winning the Scudetto with his club was a memorable moment, but achieving history with his national team surpassed all other accomplishments. The joy and pride of representing his country on the international stage made it the happiest day of Kvaratskhelia’s life. His emotions were indescribable, as the dream of qualifying for the knockout stages of a major tournament became a reality, defying all odds and expectations.
Coach’s Perspective
Georgia coach Willy Sagnol admitted that he only believed his team had qualified when the final whistle blew, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of football. Drawing parallels to Manchester United’s famous comeback against Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final, Sagnol emphasized the rollercoaster of emotions experienced in the dying moments of the game. Despite initially thinking that reaching the knockout stages was beyond their capabilities, Sagnol and his team defied the odds and earned a well-deserved victory over Portugal.
Respect and Redemption
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez defended his team’s performance, stating that they did not underestimate Georgia despite making eight changes to the lineup. Recognizing the significance of the game for Georgia, who had a chance to qualify for the Euros’ round of 16 for the first time, Martínez highlighted the importance of maintaining respect for their opponents. Despite failing to secure a win, Martínez praised Georgia’s goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili for his outstanding performance and acknowledged that the victory was well-deserved for the underdogs.
Looking Ahead
Portugal, already guaranteed a spot in the next round as group winners, faced a setback with Cristiano Ronaldo failing to extend his streak of scoring in the group phases of major tournaments. Despite the loss to Georgia, Portugal will regroup and prepare to face Slovenia in the next round, with key players like Rúben Dias, Bernardo Silva, and Bruno Fernandes set to return to the starting lineup. As the tournament progresses, both Georgia and Portugal have their sights set on advancing further and making their mark on the international stage, showcasing the unpredictable and captivating nature of football.
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