Stuttgart

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia helped Georgia beat tournament-favourites Portugal 2-0 on Wednesday (Jun 26) at the European Championship 2024 after scoring in the second minute of the match.

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The Napoli star, who is a childhood Cristiano Ronaldo fan, beat his idol on the biggest footballing stage but remained awestruck by the Portuguese. While most Georgian players ran onto the pitch after the final whistle, Kvaratskhelia went straight to Ronaldo to hug him and later got his jersey as well. 

"I got Ronaldo's jersey and we've made it through to the next round. This is the best day in the lives of Georgian football fans. We've made history, no one would believe we'd make it happen," said Kvaratskhelia. 

"No one would believe we could beat Portugal but that's why we're a strong team; if there's even a one per cent chance, we've shown we can make it happen," he added. 

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Watch | Georgia's Kvaratskhelia upstages childhood hero Ronaldo in historic win at Euro

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Kvaratskhelia, who is being courted by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) also revealed that Ronaldo had come to talk to him before the match. 

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"Before the match there was a meeting [with Ronaldo] and he wished me success; I'd never imagine he would come and talk to me. He's a great player and a great person. That's why he's a great personality in and out of football; I have so much respect for him, he's one of the best players in the world," said Kvaratskhelia. 

"When he comes to talk to you before the match, that's amazing; that helped us believe we could do something today," he added.

Watch | Crazy fan nearly takes down Ronaldo by jumping on him, video goes VIRAL

Portugal beaten fair and square

Portugal were beaten in an empathetic manner by the Georgian side. After Kvaratskhelia gave Georgia the lead, Georges Mikautadze converted a penalty in the second half to secure the win and become the highest-scorer at the competition.

Speaking on the disappointing result, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said Georgia executed their gameplan while his side failed to get going. 

"We conceded an early goal which is what Georgia wanted and needed. Then after that we didn't have the clarity, or a good enough final ball, to get in on goal, and their goalkeeper played very well," said Martinez. 

"We couldn't get a goal which gave Georgia extra strength and belief, and they deserved the victory."

Portugal had already qualified for the Round of 16 prior to the match and will now face Slovenia on Monday (Jul 1) as Ronaldo aims to win his second European Championship. 

(With inputs from agencies)