Khvicha “Kvaradona” Kvaratskhelia and the Georgia team stepped into history by appearing in the round of 1/8 for the first time participating in a Euro tournament, after a shocking 2-0 victory over Portugal in the final match. Group F Euro 2024.

At Veltins-Arena, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia soon put the Georgia team ahead of Portugal in the 2nd minute. That was the situation in which midfielder Antonio Silva, in his first start at this year’s Euro, made the pass. The pass was sloppy, and Georges Mikautadze stole the ball. The striker cut the ball to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the way down, and the Napoli star coolly finished with his left foot, completely defeating goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

A beginning that seemed only in a dream, because this war was no different from a grasshopper kicking a cart, or a tiny David against the giant Goliath. With an early advantage, Georgia has even more reason to deploy its counter-attacking style of play. They built a fortress in front of goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili’s goal, blocking superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and other Portuguese attacks.

That citadel was constantly placed in a spiral of danger as the enemy conducted massive bombardments. During the whole match, Portugal controlled the ball 72%, launched 22 shots (5 of which hit the target), but the most important thing, the goal, did not come.

Georgia 2-0 Portugal: Georgia – The lineman who made history Georgia, in its first appearance at a major tournament, is the most underrated name among the 24 teams at the Euro 2024 finals. Not many people Waiting for Georgia to do something special in a group with the presence of Portugal, Czech Republic and Turkey, all teams that are rated much higher than them.

Georgia strictly adheres to fighting discipline, plays patiently, and waits for the right moment to strike. They had another goal, with Georges Mikautadze scoring in the 57th minute on the penalty spot. 2-0 in favor of Georgia was the final score. It’s true that the grasshopper kicked the car. Thinking that the grasshopper fell, the car was tilted. Georgia continues into the 1/8 round with 3rd place in Group F. Like a thunderbolt in a clear sky. Like a terrible earthquake.

It is impossible not to mention Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. In addition to the goal scored, in 82 minutes on the field (before giving way to Zuriko Davitashvili), the player born in 2001 also had 2 shots on target, 2 successful dribbles, and an accurate pass of 100%. 100% rate, won 8/11 duels, and made 2 tackles.

In the 5-3-2 system that coach Willy Sagnol used in this match, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia partnered with Georges Mikautadze in attack. However, the scope of activities of the Napoli star is very wide. He actively retreats to look for the ball, supports the defensive front, and is always ready to rush forward when the home team changes state.

Before the match, Kvaratskhelia shared that Cristiano Ronaldo is his idol and role model that he always aspires to. Being able to meet your idol is certainly a great happiness, but protecting the national colors is important and something to be proud of. He played with all his energy, using speed and technique with his ghostly left foot to threaten Diogo Dalot and Antonio Silva, and spread damage to the goal that Diogo Costa guarded. Georgia’s “number 7” has silenced the great “number 7” of Portugal in particular and world football in general. He did not score in the previous two matches. Like a compressed spring, he burst with tremendous force and scored today, bringing Georgia into history.

Napoli club fans call Khvicha Kvaratskhelia by the name “Kvaradona”, with extreme admiration and the implication of comparing him with Diego Maradona – the saint in their hearts. As for Georgians, perhaps the love for Kvaratskhelia is just as great.

Khvicha’s dream comes true

Since separating from the Soviet Union to become an independent country, Euro 2024 is the first major tournament that Georgia has participated in. Being a rookie, and having the lowest position on the FIFA rankings among the 24 teams, it is not difficult to understand why Georgia was not highly appreciated before the tournament. But then, everyone was surprised by what Willy Sagnol and his students brought.

Georgia will clash with Spain – the top candidate for the championship, ranked first in the “death” group with 3 wins – in the 1/8 round. Once again, the grasshopper kicked the car. Another confrontation between the tiny David and the giant Goliath. But be careful, that grasshopper or tiny David is ready to continue writing stories about men who are above rocks and mending the sky. They have a “spider” Giorgi Mamardashvili with 21 saves from the beginning of the tournament, a poised Georges Mikautadze leading the top scorer list, and of course, we cannot forget a Khvicha “Kvaradona” Kvaratskhelia with his legs. magic and mysterious powers.

Just be happy when life allows, because with Kvaratskhelia and the Georgia team, getting here is already great!

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