Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the hero of Georgia’s stunning victory over Portugal in Euro 2024, revealed that a pre-match encounter with Cristiano Ronaldo played a crucial role in inspiring his team to believe in an upset. Kvaratskhelia, who scored the opening goal just 92 seconds into the game, expressed his admiration for Ronaldo, labeling him as his boyhood idol. The meeting with Ronaldo, where the Portuguese star wished him success, instilled a sense of belief in the Georgian team that they could achieve the impossible.
Georgia’s 2-0 triumph over Portugal not only secured their spot in the round of 16 but also marked their debut in a major tournament with a historic win. Kvaratskhelia, who received Ronaldo’s jersey as a memento, described the victory as the best day in the lives of Georgian football fans. The unexpected triumph over the 2016 Euro champions showcased the strength and resilience of the Georgian team, proving that even with a 1% chance, they could make it happen. The underdog story of Georgia defying the odds and beating a footballing giant like Portugal will go down in history as one of the most memorable moments in the sport.
For Kvaratskhelia, who had previously won the Serie A with Napoli, the victory with his national team surpassed all his previous achievements. The emotional high of representing his country and creating history on the footballing stage outweighed any club success he had experienced. Winning the title and making his country proud was a dream come true for Kvaratskhelia, and he struggled to put his overwhelming emotions into words. The joy and pride of achieving the impossible with Georgia will forever be etched in his memory as the happiest day of his life.
Georgia’s coach, Willy Sagnol, admitted that he did not believe in their qualification until the final whistle blew, drawing parallels to dramatic footballing moments like the 1999 Champions League final comeback by Manchester United against Bayern Munich. Sagnol’s cautious optimism and acknowledgment of the unpredictability of football highlighted the rollercoaster of emotions involved in managing an underdog team on the brink of history. The journey of Georgia from being a dark horse to a legitimate contender in Euro 2024 epitomized the magic and drama of the beautiful game.
Despite Portugal’s coach making multiple changes to the lineup in their final group stage match against Georgia, he emphasized that they did not underestimate their opponents. Roberto Martínez acknowledged the significance of the game for Georgia and expressed disappointment in his team’s inability to match the intensity required for such a crucial encounter. Portugal’s early concession of a goal and their struggles in front of goal underscored Georgia’s determination and resilience in securing a well-deserved victory. The respect shown by Portugal towards their opponents highlighted the sportsmanship and camaraderie that exists in the world of football.
As Georgia prepares to face Spain in the round of 16, the spotlight will be on their remarkable journey from relative obscurity to making a significant impact on the European stage. The win over Portugal not only solidified their position as a force to be reckoned with but also served as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement that football brings. While Portugal regroups to face Slovenia in the next round, Georgia’s fairy-tale run continues to be a source of inspiration for underdog teams worldwide. The upcoming matches promise more thrills, surprises, and unforgettable moments as the drama of Euro 2024 unfolds.