Euro 2024: “We made history”, “unity makes us strong”, “I had Ronaldo’s jersey”… Georgia in round of 16 paradise

Georgia is heading to round of 16 paradise. MAXPPP – FRIEDEMANN VOGEL

Victorious (2-0) over Portugal, Georgia led by Willy Sagnol, Little Thumb of the competition, achieved the incredible feat of reaching the round of 16 where they will face Spain. Ronaldo fan Kvaratskhelia already realizes. It’s crazy in the country.

"Unity makes us strong", commented Georgia’s star striker, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, after the 2-0 victory against Portugal by her idol Cristiano Ronaldo on Wednesday, which qualifies her for the round of 16 of the Euro.

We told ourselves it was possible

For its first international competition, Georgia finished among the best third places in the Euro group, after a defeat (3-1 against Turkey), a draw (1-1 against the Czech Republic) and a victory.

"We have made history. Nobody believed that we would beat Portugal. We encouraged each other, we told ourselves that it was possible", said the 23-year-old winger, named man of the match.

Spain in 8th grade: the menu is heavy

"I’I said that no matter who we faced, we entered the field to win", continued "Kvara" in a press conference. "Tomorrow we will be focused as much as possible for the next match".

I wouldn't have imagined that he (Ronaldo) could come and talk to me

Georgia will face Spain in the round of 16 on June 30. "We will do our best to put in a good performance. We will go to fight and win", said Kvaratskhelia, star of the selection in the white jersey.

He revealed that after the game he had obtained the jersey of his idol, Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who also came to speak to him a few words before kick-off. "I got Ronaldo's jersey, yes. Before the match, he wished me good luck. It means so much to me. I wouldn’t have imagined that he could come and talk to me. He’s a great player and a great person, on and off the pitch", said the Napoli player.