(Paris) Group F of Euro-2024 in Germany seems promised to Portugal, among the favorites of the competition, led by the indefatigable Cristiano Ronaldo who, at 39, will play his sixth and very likely last continental tournament.
Portugal and the others. It is not very clear who, on paper, Turkey, the Czech Republic or Georgia can challenge Roberto Martinez’s men for the hegemony of this group.
The Lusitanians, who won all of their qualifying matches by being the best attack (36 goals scored) and the best defense (2 goals conceded), advance hidden in the eyes of book takers, but have a golden generation surrounded by two sacred monsters.
Cristiano Ronaldo will play his sixth Euro, a record, and his experience will be an undeniable asset in supervising young and promising Portuguese players, just like that of Pepe, 41, who should break the record for the oldest player to play a Euro, held today by Hungarian goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly, and his famous gray jogging pants, 40 years and 86 days during Euro-2016.
Turkey, led by its Italian coach Vincenzo Montella, also shone during the qualifying phase and should be able to accompany the Portuguese in the 1/8 finals.
But the partners of Lille Yusuf Yazici have not won a single match in 2024 (2 defeats and 1 draw) and they do not shine when they are expected: at Euro-2021, they were the hidden cards of the competition , but ultimately lost their three group matches.
The Czech Republic and its German champion trio with Bayer Leverkusen, Matej Kovar, Adam Hlozek and Patrik Schick, could take advantage of this and steal second place directly qualifying for the elimination phase.
The step seems too high, however, for Willy Sagnol’s Georgia, who is nevertheless already living a waking dream.
For the first time in its history, it will participate in a European Championship, carried by a talented young generation, with the Neapolitan Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and the Messin Georges Mikautadze as leaders.
Currently 75th in the FIFA rankings, the Georgians are the Little Thumbs of the competition.