The historic win of Georgia over Portugal in Euro 2024 not only surprised football fans but also left a lasting impact on the players involved. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, a hero of the Georgian team, credited a pre-match meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo for instilling the belief that a triumph against the Euro 2016 winners was possible.
Instead of getting intimidated by facing a football legend like Ronaldo, Kvaratskhelia found inspiration in the Portuguese star’s words of encouragement. The meeting with Ronaldo, where he wished Kvaratskhelia success, served as a pivotal moment that empowered the young player and the entire team.
Kvaratskhelia, who had experienced success at the club level with Napoli in Serie A, highlighted that the win against Portugal and the subsequent qualification for the round of 16 of Euro 2024 was the best day of his life. Despite winning the Scudetto with Napoli, playing for his country and creating history on the international stage brought unparalleled joy to Kvaratskhelia.
The emotional aspect of representing one’s country in a major tournament was evident in Kvaratskhelia’s words as he expressed his pride and happiness in achieving a milestone for Georgian football. The significance of national pride and accomplishment was clearly a driving force for Kvaratskhelia and his teammates.
Willy Sagnol, the coach of the Georgian team, shared his thoughts on the historic win, emphasizing that he only believed they had qualified when the final whistle blew. Drawing parallels to dramatic football comebacks like Manchester United’s 1999 Champions League final, Sagnol displayed a cautious optimism throughout the match against Portugal.
Sagnol’s admission that he thought Georgia had reached their maximum potential earlier in the qualification process reflects the humility and disbelief that often accompany unexpected victories. The element of surprise and the resilience displayed by the Georgian team added to the significance of their achievement.
Despite making eight changes to his side, Portugal’s coach Roberto Martínez reiterated that his team did not underestimate Georgia. Acknowledging the historic opportunity Georgia had to qualify for the knockout stage, Martínez maintained that the lack of intensity and clarity in crucial moments cost Portugal the game.
The respect shown by Portugal towards Georgia, even in a game where they had already secured their spot in the next round, highlights the sportsmanship and competitive spirit inherent in top-level football. The acknowledgment of Georgia’s deserving victory and the lessons learned from the loss further emphasize the dynamics of football at the international level.
The day Georgia made history against Portugal in Euro 2024 was not just a football match; it was a story of belief, inspiration, emotion, and sportsmanship. The unexpected triumph of an underdog team, fueled by a meeting with a football legend and guided by the camaraderie of players and coaches, exemplified the essence of the beautiful game. Georgia’s journey in the tournament served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football and the enduring impact of moments that transcend the sport itself.
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