Khvicha Kvaratskhelia drew inspiration from a pregame dialog with Cristiano Ronaldo, propelling Georgia to a historic upset over Portugal with a 2-0 victory, securing their place within the Euro 2024 spherical of 16.
Despite Ronaldo’s irritating evening, Kvaratskhelia not solely achieved his dream of receiving Ronaldo’s shirt but additionally etched his title into soccer historical past with an important aim.
“Before the match, there was a meeting, and he wished me success. It meant so much to me because I never imagined that he would come to me and say something,” Kvaratskhelia mentioned in translated feedback. “I realized that I could do so many things today because it gave me inspiration.”
For Napoli ahead Kvaratskhelia, the win even surpasses his membership’s historic Italian title final yr.
“This is the best day of my life because it was more difficult to do it with the Georgian team than with Napoli,” he mentioned.
A banner on the Georgian followers’ finish of the stadium learn “Believe,” they usually did.
The Georgians wanted a win to succeed in the knockout stage at Euro 2024 and received their opening aim after solely 93 seconds. Georges Mikautadze intercepted a poor go and arrange Kvaratskhelia to attain with a low shot.
António Silva gave away the ball earlier than the primary aim and dedicated a penalty for the second, tripping Luka Lochoshvili contained in the penalty space. Mikautadze transformed the spot kick low and previous Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa within the 57th minute.
Georgia superior in its debut at a serious event as probably the greatest third-place groups. Portugal had already certified from Group F after profitable its first two video games.
The Georgians will subsequent face Spain on Sunday in Cologne, whereas Portugal performs Slovenia on Monday in Frankfurt. Slovenia is one other defense-first staff and upset Portugal 2-0 in a March pleasant.
Ronaldo continues to be with no aim at Euro 2024. He felt he deserved a penalty within the first half and kicked away a water bottle when he was substituted within the 66th minute.
Ronaldo was given a yellow card for protesting after his penalty attraction was turned down. He wished the choice after his shirt was pulled by Lochoshvili within the space as a cross got here in. No foul was given.
With Portugal already certified, Ronaldo was one in all solely three gamers saved within the lineup from the earlier 3-0 win over Türkiye, together with Costa and midfielder João Palhinha.
Portugal created little within the second half as Georgia’s protection sat deep, however the 2016 champions had possibilities in added time. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili preserved Georgia’s two-goal lead with saves from Nélson Semedo and Diogo Dalot, whereas Francisco Conceição narrowly missed the goal.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez criticized “very inconsistent” video critiques however denied his staff had underestimated Georgia.
“This was a game where Georgia was playing to be part of history, and we didn’t match their intensity,” he mentioned.
At the ultimate whistle, Georgia’s gamers sprinted off the bench to embrace Mamardashvili in a huddle and leaped with pleasure in entrance of their raucous followers.
Türkiye beat the Czechia 2-1 within the different group match. The Turks additionally superior, whereas the Czechs have been eradicated.
Georgia’s victory additionally eradicated Hungary, which completed third in Group A.
Source: www.dailysabah.com