With spot top in Group F already secured, Portugal will be looking to continue their positive momentum as they face competition newcomers Georgia in Euro 2024 on Wednesday night in Gelsenkirchen.
The Selecao’s back-to-back successes over the Czech Republic and Turkey have sealed a berth in the knockout stages with a game to spare, whilst the Crusaders know that only an unlikely three points would be enough to see them escape the section.
Following a last-gasp 2-1 win over the Czech Republic during their maiden game of this summer’s European Championships, Portugal joined Germany and Spain as the only three nations to win their opening two matches, with the Selecao dispatching a leaky Turkey side in Dortmund on Saturday evening.
After pushing Turkey all the way during their Group F opener but ultimately falling short on the day, Georgia recorded their first-ever point at a major tournament in their second match, with the Crusaders forcing the Czech Republic to share the spoils at Volksparkstadion in Hamburg on Saturday afternoon.
Heading into a crunch clash on Wednesday night, the Crusaders face an uphill task in making it out of their European Championships section at the first time of asking, with Willy Sagnol‘s side realistically requiring three points in order to at least finish as one of the best third-placed teams.
Wednesday’s meeting in the mining city of Gelsenkirchen will be only the second between Portugal and Georgia, with the Selecao winning a friendly fixture against the Crusaders back in 2008, when former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfield Joao Moutinho and Simao made the net ripple.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
