On Tuesday, 26th of March, the final round of EURO 2024 qualifying playoffs will see the national team of Georgia face off against Greece. Coached by Willy Sagnol, Georgia triumphed over Luxembourg 2:0 in the semifinals. Meanwhile, Greece decimated Kazakhstan on home soil, winning 5:0.
Georgia: Mamardashvili; Kvirkvelia, Dvali, Kashia; Kakabadze, Kiteishvili, Chakvetadze, Kochorashvili, Shengelia; Zivzivadze, Kvaratskhelia.
Greece: Vlachodimos; Baldock, Mavropanos, Hatzidiakos, Tsimikas; Bakasetas, Kourbelis, Mantalos; Masouras, Ioannidis, Pelkas.
Georgia had a tough draw in the EURO qualifying phase, finding themselves in a group with Spain, Scotland and Norway. Despite finishing fourth, 'The Crusaders' earned a ticket to playoffs thanks to a successful Nations League campaign. They underlined this opportunity by securing a comfortable 2:0 win over Luxembourg on Thursday evening.
Last year, Sagnol's men recorded two emphatic victories in October against Thailand in a friendly match (8:0) and Cyprus (4:0). However, they drew with Scotland (2:2) and faced a defeat by Spain on their turf (1:3). It's worth mentioning that the Georgians perform excellently on their home turf, suffering only one loss in their last 12 home matches across all competitions.
Greece, on the other hand, sits in third place in a group featuring France and Netherlands. Nonetheless, the Hellenes bypassed Ireland and Gibraltar, capitalising on their sound performance in the 2022 Nations League to gain an opportunity to play in the qualifying playoffs. Like their upcoming opponent, Gustavo Pojet's men triumphed over Kazakhstan (5:0) last Thursday.
Last November, sides managed by Pojet defeated New Zealand in a friendly match (2:0). Moreover, Greece held their ground against Didier Deschamp's team to end the game with a 2:2 draw. Considering their recent form, Greece has only one defeat in their last six games across all competitions.
Greece has managed to avoid defeat in each of their previous nine face-offs against Georgia, winning seven of them, including a 2:0 triumph in Batumi during the 2022 World Cup qualifying round.
The return of a well-rested Kvaratskhelia could bolster the attacking capacity of the Georgian team, who have been performing admirably with home support. The Greeks are also essentially a home team, while their away game results leave room for improvement (just two wins in their last seven matches). The motivation of gaining entrance into the continental championship for the first time in history is a powerful driving force for the hosts. Consequently, I'd bet on Georgia not losing.
The Georgian side has scored at least twice in each of their last four home matches. Accordingly, I'd confidently bet on the hosts' individual total of more than one goal.
With the backing of home crowds, 'The Crusaders' will take the lead and seize the initiative – I'm betting on their individual total of more than 4.5 corners.
Both sides have high stakes at play for EURO participation – meaning, they won't be holding back in tackles. I'm betting on a total of more than 3.5 yellow cards.
My money's on a 2:1 victory in favour of Georgia.
Comments0