Khvicha Kvaratskhelia makes social media post as he receives Cristiano Ronaldo's jersey after Portugal-Georgia Euro 2024 clash
Georgia forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia received Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo's jersey after their Euro 2024 clash on Wednesday, June 26. The Crusaders got the better of the Euro 2016 winners on the night to secure their place in the knockout stages of the tournament.
Georgia made it to the European Championships thanks to their participation in the UEFA Nations League and have made their mark in the competition.
The Napoli star opened the scoring after just two minutes to stun the group leaders. Kvaratskhelia and his compatriots held out under immense Portuguese pressure and eventually ran out 2-0 winners to finish the group stages as one of the best third-placed teams.
Following the conclusion of the match, Kvaratskhelia, who is fondly known as Kvaradona in Naples, received a jersey from Cristiano Ronaldo. The Georgian is a huge fan of the Portuguese legend and greatly appreciated the gift from his idol, posting a picture of the jersey on Instagram.
"Dreams," he captioned the post.
Georgia will face three-time champions Spain in the Round of 16 on June 30.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ruins Cristiano Ronaldo's special day to book a place in Euro 2024 Round of 16
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georgia made Cristiano Ronaldo's record-breaking 50th appearance across the World Cup and European Championships one to forget. The Crusaders stunned the Portuguese 2-0 in the final group game of Euro 2024 to secure a place in the knockout stages of the tournament.
The Napoli forward opened the scoring with just two minutes on the clock after pouncing on an error from Antonio Silva. The Benfica defender lost possession in the midfield and Georges Mikautadze picked Kvaratskhelia out with a through ball.
Portugal had the better of possession following the early goal but could not restore parity in the game. They came close in the 17th minute after a ferocious Cristiano Ronaldo freekick was saved by Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Silva's poor outing continued in the second half when he brought down Luka Lochoshvili in the box. Mikautadze went from provider to goalscorer when he stepped up and converted the penalty (57') to double his nation's lead.
Georgia held on to secure their first win of Euro 2024 and will hope to do the same against the mighty Spanish in the Round of 16.