Kvaratskhelia propels Georgia to last 16 with famous win over Portugal

So, this was the night Georgia advanced to the last 16 in their first appearance at major tournament courtesy of a magnificent victory overand one that will live long in the memory of the thousands of supporters who were here to witness history.

Kvaratskhelia had suggested the likelihood of a Georgia victory could be as little as 1%. On the basis of the 68-place gulf between them in the Fifa rankings alone, it felt a big ask. It is why manager Willy Sagnol struggled to paint it as anything but David v Goliath. Georgia had to win to avoid elimination while Portugal came into the game with a place in the last 16 already boxed off.

The other point Kvaratskhelia made on the eve of the game was that while they would respect Portugal they would not be fussed by the names on the back of their shirts. Sagnol approved Kvaratskhelia’s messaging. “He said it perfectly,” said Sagnol sitting beside the Napoli forward and the undoubted star of Georgia.

Ronaldo was booked for dissent after airing his anger at the Swiss referee, Sandro Schäfer, for failing to penalise the Georgia defender Luka Lochoshvili for getting touch-tight. Ronaldo was riled, shaking his head at every decision against his team.

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