Georgia vs Portugal

Veltins Arena forms the backdrop for a ‘David vs Goliath’ Euro 2024 clash between Georgia and Portugal.

Georgia bounced back from a 3-1 romping at the hands of Turkey on day one, holding the Czech Republic to a 1-1 draw last time out to put their first points on the board on a major tournament debut. But the lowest-ranked nation at Euro 2024 must beat a more heavily fancied Portugal to advance into the knockouts, which is a tall order, considering they’re up against one of the pre-tournament favorites. With the Selecao already booking a knockout berth, Willy Sagnol’s men will rely on potential complacency within the opposition ranks as they bid to upset the odds in Gelsenkirchen. Despite their minnow status, the Crusaders are no idle attacking threat, having netted in ten of their last 11 internationals. Breaking the deadlock could be paramount, especially with Georgia going unbeaten in 18 consecutive matches after scoring first (W16, D2).

On the other hand, Portugal headed into round three as one of only three teams at Euro 2024 to boast a 100% win ratio after dispatching the Czech Republic and Turkey by a combined score of 5-1  across the opening two matchdays. Maintaining that trend against Georgia would see Portugal complete a group-stage campaign of a major tournament for the first time since the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. Widely expected to do just that, Roberto Martinez’s men come into proceedings as odds-on favorites to take three points after winning 22 of their last 28 outings (L6). Chances are Martinez will ring changes to his starting line-up to give senior stars much-needed rest. But it shouldn’t derail Portugal’s lofty ambitions, as they’ve bagged 2+ goals in four of their last five games.