When Portugal takes on newcomer Georgia on Wednesday, it will have already qualified for the European Championship knockout stages and can cap off Group F in grand fashion with a third victory. Depending on what happens elsewhere, a draw might give Georgia a chance to qualify, but it will probably need a shocking victory.
The match begins in Gelsenkirchen at 9 p.m. local time (1900 GMT, 12.30 a.m. [Thursday]), coinciding with the group rivalry between Turkey and the Czech Republic in Hamburg. This is what you need know about the game:
Match facts
Following no fewer than six separate supporters invading the pitch or attempting to take photographs with Cristiano Ronaldo during Portugal’s 3-0 victory over Turkey, there will be close examination of Euro 2024 security. Ronaldo was reached by four of them. Although UEFA announced on Sunday that it had tightened security, another supporter was present on Monday when Spain defeated Albania 1-0.
Georgia has received recognition for its combative approach in its big event debut and, excluding a last-second miss, almost defeated the Czech Republic in its second match. Georgia would definitely go to the pre-quarterfinals if they were to upset Portugal.
Before the game, Georgia will find out if a win is the only thing that will separate them from the other four best third-place teams, or if a draw would be sufficient. But even in the event of a tie, the Czech Republic would still need to lose to Turkey.
Team news
Ronaldo is still without a goal at Euro 2024, and because Portugal has already won Group F, he might get a rest against Georgia.
Otar Kiteishvili, a midfielder for Georgia, has not yet participated in Euro 2024 due to health issues.
By the numbers
The record for the oldest goal scorer at the European Championships is one that 39-year-old Ronaldo can shatter. Luka Modric of Croatia broke the previous mark on Monday by scoring against Italy at the age of 38.
For seasoned Portuguese players, there are two more milestones to reach: Pepe, 41, can play in his 140th international match, and Ronaldo can play in his 210th.
Topics #EuroCup2024 #FootballVictory #GeorgiaFootball #PortugalFootball
