“Cristiano Ronaldo opened a football academy in the Georgian capital Tbilisi, an event where he was accompanied by Ukraine’s Andrei Shevchenko. Ronaldo, wearing a white shirt and a cap, delighted the children, chatting with them for quite a long time, and the many fans, for whom he patiently signed autographs. Ronaldo, tanned and smiling broadly, also posed for numerous photos with a football.”You’ve just read the news from 7 July 2013, when then-Real Madrid star attended the opening of the academy associated with Dinamo Tbilisi, a local powerhouse which has decided to invest in their talented kids.And among them was a 12-year-old boy who got a chance to meet his idol, CR7, in person. That boy was Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.In 2013, Ronaldo opened a football academy in Georgia and one of the children there was Khvicha Kvaratskhelia..Tonight, Kvaratskhelia scored in the first minute vs Portugal…Incredible 👏 pic.twitter.com/nZyRaRnxOv— george (@StokeyyG2) June 26, 2024 Less than 13 years later, the two of them met again, only this time in Gelsenkirchen, as Khvicha’s Georgia and Ronaldo’s Portugal faced off in the last group game in the European Championship.And just 90 seconds into the game Khvicha netted for a shocking Georgia’s lead, which was the foundation of his side’s later much-deserved 2-0 triumph that has sent them into the knockout stage in their maiden Euros’ appearance.That was Georgian…sorry gorgeous! Kvaradona & Co shock PortugalMoreover, Kvaradona earned a Man of the Match reward as he outperformed his idol, who left the pitch in the second half frustrated. The Napoli forward celebrated the sensational achievement of his side in the dressing room with a traditional Georgian dance. Later, he posted a story on social media with the Man of the Match trophy and Ronaldo’s shirt, with the caption: “Dreams”.(Instagram/@kvara7)Kvaratskhelia also revealed he spoke to Cristiano before the game: “I got Ronaldo’s jersey and we’ve made it through to the next round. This is the best day in the lives of Georgian football fans. We’ve made history. No one would believe we’d make it happen. No one would believe we could beat Portugal but that’s why we’re a strong team. If there’s even a 1% chance, we’ve shown we can make it happen.El vestuario de Georgia celebrando el pase a octavos aún sabiendo que toca España. pic.twitter.com/RHFBGNiCcQ— Er Pali (@ErPali_) June 26, 2024 “Before the match, there was a meeting [with Ronaldo] and he wished me success. I’d never imagined he would come and talk to me. He’s a great player and a great person. That’s why he’s a great personality in and out of football. I have so much respect for him, he’s one of the best players in the world.”When he comes to talk to you before the match, that’s amazing. That helped us believe we could do something today.”The Napoli forward and Georgia will look to create yet another upset when they take on Spain on 30 June.EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP – 1/8 FINALSSaturday 19.00: (3.40) Switzerland (3.00) Italy (2.55)22.00: (1.65) Germany (4.00) Denmark (6.10)Sunday 19.00: (1.45) England (4.50) Slovakia (9.50)22.00: (1.25) Spain (6.50) Georgia (15.0)Monday 19.00: (1.95) France (3.40) Belgium (4.70)22.00: (1.43) Portugal (4.75) Slovenia (9.10)Tuesday 19.00: (8.25) Romania (4.30) Netherlands (1.50)22.00: (1.95) Austria (3.50) Turkey (4.50)***odds are subject to change***
