Khvicha Kvaratskhelia relishes ‘best day’ in Georgians’ lives after Euro 2024 upset – and gets prize of Ronaldo shirt

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia not only inspired Georgia to the knockout stages of Euro 2024, he also realized his childhood dream by doing so against Cristiano Ronaldo.

It’s a night that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will never forget. The forward not only inspired Georgia to the knockout stages of Euro 2024 on Wednesday, he also realized his own childhood dream by doing so against Cristiano Ronaldo. Georgia is the lowest-ranked team at this year’s European Championship and few gave the nation a chance of progressing out of the group stages in what is its debut appearance at a major tournament. But against all odds, the Crusaders produced a memorable performance to secure a deserved 2-0 Group F win against Portugal, thanks to a second-minute goal from Kvaratskhelia and a second-half penalty from Georges Mikautadze. The full-time whistle sparked jubilant scenes on the pitch and in the stands, with tears of joy flowing around the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen. Meanwhile, fireworks lit up the sky of Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, after the win, with fans flooding out onto the streets to celebrate the historic achievement.