Georgia must pull off the greatest result in its footballing history as an independent nation to stand any chance of making the last 16 of Euro 2024.
By Graham Ruthven
The Crusaders claimed their first-ever major tournament point after scoring their first-ever major tournament goal against Czechia, but will need to register their first-ever major tournament win to progress in the competition.
That will be a tall order against a Portugal team that has talent to go the distance in Germany this summer. Roberto Martínez’s side made a statement with their 3-0 victory over Türkiye and are considered among the tournament frontrunners despite making a sluggish start in their 2-1 win over Czechia.
Martínez selected João Palhinha in central midfield to give the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva more freedom against Türkiye, and the change worked with Portugal much more fluid and mobile in the final third. If Portugal can replicate that performance, Georgia will have little chance of containing them.
Of course, Georgia boast a top quality attacker of their own in the shape of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Willy Sagnol has frequently used the Napoli winger in a more central position to increase his influence and Georgia will need their best attacking player to be in top form if they are to pull off an upset in their final group game.
They will also need Giorgi Mamardashvili to show the sort of form he demonstrated in the 1-1 draw against Czechia. The Valencia goalkeeper made several eye-catching saves (11, to be precise) to keep the opposition at bay and earn a valuable, and historic, point for his team – and also earn the highest FotMob player rating across Matchday 2. Mamardashvili might have to find an even higher level to keep out the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Fernandes and co.
With Portugal all but guaranteed top spot in the group, there’s a chance Martínez could rotate his lineup with one eye on the knockout rounds. This could see some fringe players like Pedro Neto and Diogo Jota given a start with Gonçalo Ramos another squad member who could be given some game time.
Nonetheless, Portugal have greater squad depth than perhaps any other team at Euro 2024 besides England and France and will want to maintain their momentum before moving into the next round. Georgia’s best chances will come on the counter attack where Giorgi Kochorashvili and Zukriko Davitashvili, as well as Kvaratskhelia, will be a threat.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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