- What: 3rd Round EURO 2024, Group F, Georgia vs Portugal
- Where: Germany, Gelsenkirchen
- When: June 26, 22:00 (local time – 21:00)
- Stadium: Veltins-Arena (62,200 seats)
In this group, one team has already secured a spot in the playoffs – Portugal is transforming from a "dark horse" favorite into the clear frontrunner. The remaining teams will fight for second place, but the third team from this group might not advance – too few points.
Georgia
In the 1st round, Georgia played on equal footing with Turkey but lost 3-1. However, the match was indeed evenly contested. If the Georgian goalkeeper hadn't ventured into the opponent's penalty area for the final corner kick, the score would have been 2-1, which sounds quite different. They played open, attacking football – both teams combined for 36 shots, 13 on target, and an xG of 4.38. A delight for the spectators!
In the 2nd round, they tried a similar strategy against the Czech Republic and managed a 1-1 draw. The score was better, but not the play – the Czechs did what they wanted throughout the match and scored only a small fraction of their chances. Georgian goalkeeper Mamardashvili deserves a monument in Tbilisi, at the very least. With 10 saves, he earned a spot in the EURO Team of the Week according to UEFA.
The team is as charming as it is unstable. However, under Willy Sagnol, they have grown significantly and continue to do so.
Portugal
In the 1st round, they deservedly and dominantly defeated the Czech Republic 2-1. But all their "mountain of advantage" in every aspect was only realized thanks to an own goal by the Czechs and another goal in added time. The Czechs held on as best as they could and came close to a fiasco – but avoided it.
In the 2nd round, they gathered themselves and systematically dismantled Turkey 3-0. They controlled the ball less and took fewer shots – but did everything seriously, systematically, and thoroughly. By the start of the second half, everything was already decided, and the teams played out a logical conclusion.
The team is in brilliant form, and Ronaldo is no longer the only star, though he remains an important figure.
Prediction
So far, Portugal has not faced significant resistance from the start of the qualifiers, and it is unlikely that Georgia will be able to provide it. Georgia might well manage to score a goal, but their defense is not strong enough to withstand such formidable opponents.
xGscore Prediction: Portugal: Handicap (-1)
