New Delhi: Portugal looks to continue their positive momentum as they face competition newcomers Georgia in Euro 2024 in Gelsenkirchen. Portugal’s back to back successes over the Czech Republic and Turkey have sealed a berth for them in the knockout stages with a game spare against Georgia.
Portugal stands along Germany and Spain as the only three nations to win their opening two matches with the Selecao dispatching a leaky Turkey side in Dortmund on Saturday evening. The former Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo will make his 50th appearance at a major tournament for Portugal if he features against Georgia.
On the other hand, Georgia pushed Turkey all the way in their opener but ultimately fell short on the day. Georgia recorded their first ever point at a major tournament in their second match against Czech Republic. Willy Sagnol’s side realistically require three points to at least finish as one of the third best places.
Georgia will look to book a berth at their first ever major event while Portugal, meanwhile, have nothing left to play having already won the group.
Team News
Portugal’s manager Robert Martinez will certainly make a few changes. But one confirmed absentee will be Rafael Leao who will serve a suspension after picking up his second booking of the competition in their last match. Midfielders Joao Palhinha and last week’s match winner Francisco Conceicao both are walking the suspension tightrope.
In contrast, Georgia is expected to keep the same starting lineup which earned them a historic point at a major international tournament. Khvivha Kvaratskhelia remains the main man for the Crusaders and will look to produce a historic moment for the team. Captain Guram Kashia will need to avoid another caution if he wishes to be available for the round of 16 after picking up a yellow card on Saturday against Czech Republic.
Head-to-Head
Prior to today’s match Georgia and Portugal locked horns in a friendly in 2008 which 2016 champions won by 2-0. Georgia have had a decent European Championship debut scoring in each game. Portugal have the second best attacking record at the Euro 2024 after two games scoring five goals.
With two wins and a knockout ticket in hand Portugal will make the best of Georgia. Portugal have won 15 and lost just two of their 17 international contests since exiting the 2022 World Cup at the hands of Morocco in quarter-final stage.
Though Georgia bowed against Turkey in the opener, they managed to gain back their momentum by setting Czechia for a draw. Georgia needs to hold their momentum against heavyweight Portugal.
Predicted lineup
Georgia: Mamardashvili; Shengelia, Dvali, Kashia, Kverkvelia, Gocholeishvili; Kiteishvili, Kochorashvili, Chakvetadze; Kvaratskhelia, Zivzivadze
Portugal: Diogo Costa; Nélson Semedo, António Silva, Danilo, Dalot; Palhinha, João Neves, Matheus Nunes; João Félix, Ronaldo, Francisco Conceição
When, where and how to watch the Georgia vs Portugal match in India?
The Georgia vs Portugal UEFA Euro 2024 match will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network in India. Live streaming of Euro 2024 will be available on SonyLIV app and website. The action begins at 12:30 am IST tonight.
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Group winners Portugal face Euro debutants Georgia. Portugal target a clean sweep in the group stage while Georgia chase a historic knockout spot. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
