S Poddar
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia paid homage to his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, following Georgia’s remarkable 2-0 victory over Portugal at Euro 2024. This unexpected win secured Georgia a spot in the last 16, setting up a match against Spain.
Kvaratskhelia, a star player for Napoli, scored the opening goal before Georges Mikautadze sealed the victory. Celebrating in the dressing room, he shared an Instagram story wearing Ronaldo’s jersey from the game. The 23-year-old has long admired Ronaldo, and a pre-match conversation with the Portuguese legend only heightened his respect
“Before the match, he wished me success,” Kvaratskhelia revealed. “I never imagined he would come and talk to me. He’s a great player and a great person, a true legend on and off the field. His words inspired us to believe we could achieve something special today.”
Despite Ronaldo’s inability to score during the group stage for the first time in an international tournament, he remains determined to make an impact in Portugal’s upcoming last-16 clash with Slovenia.
For Georgia, the focus now shifts to their next challenge against Spain. Reflecting on their achievement, Kvaratskhelia emphasized the team’s collective effort. “There was no individual best player today; it was all about the team. We’ve proven we can compete at this level,” he said. “This is the best day in the lives of Georgian football fans. We’ve made history, and no one believed we could beat Portugal. Our success shows that even a small chance can lead to great things.”
Georgia is ready to savor this moment before preparing for their next match, buoyed by the support of their fans and the inspiration of a football icon.
