“I hope we can make him complain a lot” - Georgia star sets big expectation before clash with Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal at Euro 2024
Georgia star Otar Kiteishvili has spoken about the prospect of facing Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal in the Euro 2024. Georgia have been drawn alongside Portugal, Turkey, and the Czech Republic in Group F of the continental competition.
Kiteishvili hailed Ronaldo as one of the greatest players of all time. However, he hopes the Al-Nassr superstar doesn't score and complains a lot during the game against Georgia.
"He is a special player, one of the best of all time. I am looking forward to playing against him. When you play against top class players, you see different things. You get a lot of experience just by watching how they communicate. I hope we can make him complain a lot and not score a goal against us," Kiteishvili told Sky Sports.
Georgia and Portugal will face off in the final game of Group F on June 26. Portugal got off to a winning start, beating the Czechs 2-1 on Tuesday, June 18. Cristiano Ronaldo didn't score but had a good performance.
Georgia, on the other hand, suffered a 3-1 defeat to Turkey in an entertaining game on Tuesday.
Portugal fan explains why Cristiano Ronaldo is still the glue in Portugal's national team
Cristiano Ronaldo didn't find the back of the net against the Czech Republic. Rather, youngster Francisco Conceicao had his memorable moment after coming on as a late substitute. The Porto winger scored in the injury time (90+2') to win it for Portugal.
A Portuguese fan, however, reckons that Ronaldo is still the main draw in the national team and keeps those around him together.
"He is still important because he has the motivation and the spirit and he unites the team. Even for outside the team he is important. He is like a symbol that unites everyone," the fan told BBC.
Ronaldo's Portugal will return to action against Turkey on Saturday, June 22. Arda Guler and company sit atop Group F of Euro 2024 on goal difference, courtesy of their 3-1 win over Georgia.