Georgia will face Portugal in UEFA Euro 2024 on Wednesday, looking to keep their hopes of reaching the round of 16 alive.
Qualification to the next round of the competition seems very unlikely for Georgia, but they will look to pick up an important victory here and hope that the other results go their way when they lock horns with Portugal at the Veltins-Arena.
The Crusaders are currently at the bottom of Group F heading into the final matchday. On the other hand, Portugal have already won their first two matches, and they are set to progress through to the knockout rounds of the competition.
The Seleccao will want to finish the group stages on a high and pick up a win here. On paper, they will be the favourites, and it remains to be seen whether Roberto Martinez’s men can pick up all three points.
It will be interesting to see if Portugal decide to rest some of their key players with qualification already secured for the knockout rounds. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the encounter ahead of the clash between Georgia and Portugal.
Team News & Tactics
Georgia
Georgia do not have any major injury problems heading into the game against Portugal. They are likely to shape up in a 3-4-3 formation, with Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal. Solomon Kverkvelia will start in central defence alongside Guram Kashia and Lasha Dvali.
Otar Kakabadze and Giorgi Tsitaishvili will start in the wide areas. The duo will act as the wing-backs, and they will look to contribute at both ends of the pitch. In the middle of the park, Anzor Mekvabishvili will start alongside Giorgi Kochorashvili. They will look to add creativity and control to the side.
Georges Mikautadze will lead the line for Georgia here, with Zuriko Davitashvili and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on either side of him. They will look to add pace and flair to the side from the flanks.
Probable Lineup (3-4-3): Mamardashvili; Kverkveliya, Kashia, Dvali; Kakabadze, Mekvabishvili, Kochorashvili, Tsitaishvili; Davitashvili, Kvaratskhelia; Mikautadze
Portugal
Rafael Leao is suspended due to accumulation of yellow cards. Other than that, Portugal should be able to field a full strength lineup against Georgia. The Seleccao are likely to shape up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Diogo Costa in goal.
Joao Cancelo and Diogo Dalot could be deployed in the wide areas, and they will look to keep things compact defensively and help out in the attack. Ruben Dias will start alongside Goncalo Inacio in the central defensive unit.
As for the midfield unit, Joao Neves is likely to start alongside Ruben Neves in the double pivot. The two players will look to control the tempo of the game from the deep and protect the central defenders. Bruno Fernandes will continue in the attacking midfield role, with Diogo Jota and Pedro Neto on either side of him. Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the line for Portugal here.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Dalot; Ruben Neves, Joao Neves; Jota, Bruno Fernandes, Neto; Ronaldo
Key Stats
- Georgia are yet to pick up a win in a major tournament.
- These two sides have faced once in the past, with Portugal picking up a 2-0 win.
- Portugal have picked up four wins from their last five matches. On the other hand, Georgia have picked up three wins from their last five matches.
- Georgia are unbeaten in seven of the last nine competitive matches.
- Portugal have won their last 12 competitive matches. They have kept a clean sheet in 10 of their 12 competitive matches.
Player to Watch
Cristiano Ronaldo
The 39-year-old had an impressive club campaign, but he is yet to open his scoring account at UEFA Euro 2024 this summer. Ronaldo has an assist to his name, and he will look to add to his goal tally here.
Cristiano Ronaldo could make a huge difference in the final third with his finishing ability and movement. He will look to get on the scoresheet against the vulnerable Georgia defence, and he is our key player to watch out for.
Prediction
Georgia 1-2 Portugal
This is likely to be a close contest, and Georgia will be desperate to pick up a win on Wednesday. The Crusaders should put up a fight, but Portugal have the better team and they have the confidence and momentum as well. Roberto Martinez and his charges should be able to grind out narrow win here.