Georgia - Portugal predictions and free betting tips [26/06/2024]

The showdown between Georgia and Portugal will conclude the group stage of Euro 2024 at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen.

Probable Line-ups

Georgia: Giorgi Mamardashvili, Solomon Kverkvelia, Guram Kashia, Lasha Dvali, Giorgi Tsitaishvili, Zurab Davitashvili, Anri Mekvaabishvili, Giorgi Kochorashvili, Otar Kakabadze, Georges Mikautadze, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Portugal: Rui Patricio, Nelson Semedo, Goncalo Inacio, Danilo, Diogo Dalot, Ruben Neves, Joao Neves, Matheus Nunes, Francisco Conceicao, Joao Felix, Andre Silva.

Group F Standings

The Portuguese team comfortably leads Group F, having accumulated the maximum 6 points from their first two matches. The team has already secured their place in the round of 16 and clinched the top spot in the group, irrespective of the outcome of the final game. It is expected that Portugal might give their main players a rest and field their second string against Georgia.

Georgia occupies the 4th position with 1 point. For Willy Sagnol’s team, the chances of advancing depend entirely on a victory in the final match. A draw or a loss would eliminate their hopes of progressing. In the parallel match, the situation for the Czech Republic is similar—they too need a win to retain their aspirations of advancing from the group.

Georgia

Making their debut in the final stages of the Euros, the Georgian national team has displayed commendable play despite modest expectations. In their first match against Turkey, despite a 1-3 defeat, the Georgians performed impressively in attack, marked by a goal from Georges Mikautadze, the first for Georgia in European Championships. In the second round, the Georgian team drew 1-1 with the Czech Republic, earning their historic first point at the Euros. Giorgi Mamardashvili was the hero of that match, making 11 saves and keeping his team’s hopes alive.

This feat matches the Euro 2012 record set by Ireland’s Shay Given against Spain. Mamardashvili is already noted for his reliable performance guarding the net for Valencia and stands out especially when donning the national jersey. Few might recall his tenure with Tbilisi’s Lokomotiv during a Europa League qualifier against Moscow’s Dynamo, where he also showcased his high level of play. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has underperformed in both matches, with many expecting more from the Napoli star. He relies excessively on individual efforts and dribbling, taking too much upon himself. Given the current group standings, Georgia needs a victory against the formidable Portuguese side to advance to the playoffs.

Portugal

The Portuguese national team reaffirms their status as one of the favourites at Euro 2024, accumulating the maximum 6 points from their first two matches and securing the top spot in Group F. Roberto Martinez’s team demonstrated impressive play, claiming victory over the Czech Republic with a 2-1 scoreline and confidently thrashing Turkey 3-0. In the final group stage match against Georgia, the Portuguese might rotate their squad, giving key players a rest before the knockout rounds.

Throughout the tournament, Portugal has showcased not only strong attacking play but also defensive reliability, conceding just one goal from the Czech’s sole shot on target. Bruno Fernandes has been pivotal in orchestrating the attack, and despite his age, Cristiano Ronaldo remains a vital figure on the field. There are questions about whether Martinez can bench the legend if issues arise in attack, as there is a sense that Ronaldo sometimes disrupts play, with too much reliance placed on him. Ronaldo set a new record for assists in European Championships, though he was obliged to pass in that moment to an open goal.

Head-to-Head

In the history of the national teams of Portugal and Georgia, there has been only one head-to-head encounter, which took place on 31 May 2008 during a friendly match. Portugal emerged victorious with a 2-0 scoreline. Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe were among those on the field, but the goals were scored by Joao Moutinho and Simao.

Match Prediction: Georgia vs Portugal

I expect Martinez to take a leaf out of Spain’s De la Fuente's book and field a completely second-string line-up, including Danilo, the veteran Rui Patricio, and Andre Silva. The Georgians might put up a fight and could snag a draw at the very least or avoid a heavy defeat. The handicap (+1.5) looks appealing.

Total Prediction

I anticipate a minimum of 3 goals, as the Georgians allow their opponents multiple attacking opportunities and also take plenty of shots themselves. For Georgia, this is the match of a lifetime, and they will definitely take risks.