Footage has emerged of Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo narrowly avoiding a lunging fan following Thursday’s 2-0 loss to Georgia in the Euros.
The 39-year-old was leaving the pitch when a patron jumped from the stands at Gelsenkirchen’s Veltins Arena, landing a few inches away from the Al Nassr forward.
The spectator, presumably hoping to meet the football icon, was promptly swarmed by security staff.
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Georgia qualified for the last 16 of Euro 2024 following the unexpected triumph over Portugal, a historic victory in the former Soviet Republic’s first appearance at a major international tournament.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s fine finish with less than two minutes on the clock and Georges Mikautadze’s 57th-minute penalty ensured Georgia would claim the greatest football victory in the Black Sea nation’s history.
Georgia’s players celebrated with their delirious fans long after the final whistle, after inflicting a first defeat since the 2022 World Cup on Portugal, and being rewarded for the sheer fun they have brought to the tournament.
Willy Sagnol’s team qualify from Group F as one of the four best third-placed finishers and face a daunting clash with Spain, who won all their group games, on Sunday.
“We just made history, nobody would have believed that we would have made it happen by beating Portugal, but this is why we are a strong team,” Kvaratskhelia told reporters.
“If there is even one per cent chance you can make it happen if you believe.”
Georgia STUN Portugal to make knockouts | 00:50
Portugal had already qualified for the next round as group winners and coach Roberto Martinez made eight changes from the team that swept Turkey aside to guarantee first place last weekend.
However, his team were on top for most of the match and looked likely to equalise before Antonio Silva, who gave the ball away for the first goal, was harshly penalised for light contact with Luka Lochoshvili to give away the decisive penalty.
“We were low intensity, we conceded early which is what Georgia needed and after that we weren’t clear headed in our passing or finishing,” Martinez told reporters.
“We tried to score but couldn’t, that gave Georgia heart and in the end it was a deserved win.”
Regardless Portugal will face Slovenia on Monday and, saving any injuries, Martinez will have a mostly rested first XI to call upon.