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In the final group-stage clash at the UEFA Euro 2024, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's Georgia shocked the 2016 Euro winners, Portugal at the Veltins Arena on Wednesday night. Georgia are ranked 74th in the FIFA world rankings and pulled off a sensational game to not only score two goals but also to hold Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal goalless. After the game, Kvaratskhelia shared a picture of his idol Cristiano Ronaldo's shirt and his MOTM award against Portugal.
With this win, Georgia also booked the Round of 16 berth as they finished third in Group F with four points and finished second in the list of six third-placed teams. The Jvarosnebi will next face Spain in the Euro 2024 Round of 16 clash on Sunday at RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne.
Napoli star striker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia displayed a formidable performance on Wednesday night to beat Portugal as he scored a 2nd-minute goal, made key passes, and drew fouls to win the Man of the Match award. After the game, the Georgian forward received a shirt from his idol Cristiano Ronaldo and posted a picture on his Instagram story showing the shirt and his MOTM award. He wrote, "Dreams"
Best day of my life: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia after win vs. Portugal
After winning the match to book their spot in the Round of 16, Khvicha compared Georgia's qualification to Napoli's Serie A victory and said, "The Scudetto was great but today I'm so happy because you're playing for your country. This is the best day of my life because it was more difficult to do this with the Georgian team than win the Scudetto with Napoli."
He added, "It was always a dream of mine to play for the national team and we made it through to (the) next round, it's difficult to describe my emotions."
Despite the loss, Portugal finished as Group F toppers and will next face Slovenia on Monday night in the UEFA Euro 2024 Round of 16.
