In a historic upset at Euro 2024, Georgia stunned Portugal with a 2-0 victory, securing their spot in the round of 16. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the hero of the match, revealed that a pre-match meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo inspired belief in his team’s ability to achieve the unexpected. Kvaratskhelia opened the scoring after just 92 seconds, with Georges Mikautadze adding a penalty goal. The win marked Georgia’s debut appearance in a major tournament’ knockout stages, setting up a clash with Spain. The victory was a dream come true for Georgian football fans, as they made history against all odds. Kvaratskhelia, who received Ronaldo’s jersey, expressed his gratitude towards his boyhood idol for encouraging him before the match. Despite winning the Serie A with Napoli in 2023, Kvaratskhelia considered this victory as the happiest day of his life, emphasizing the pride of representing his country. Georgia coach Willy Sagnol admitted that he only believed they had qualified after the final whistle, drawing on his experience from past football moments. Portugal, already group winners, fell to Georgia despite coach Roberto Martínez making eight changes to the side. Martínez praised Georgia’s performance and acknowledged their deserved victory. Cristiano Ronaldo, although playing for 65 minutes, could not score, ending his streak of scoring in the group phase since Euro 2004. The win propelled Georgia to the next round as one of the top-four ranked third-placed teams at the tournament, while Turkey secured the runners-up spot behind Portugal, earning a matchup against Austria.
