Georgia vs Portugal Prediction: Expert Analysis and Match Preview
Georgia will be looking to pull off a minor miracle against Group F winners Portugal at the Aufschalke Arena in Gelsenkirchen on Wednesday evening.
The Georgians can only progress with a win, while Portugal is already through to the next round.
Georgia vs Portugal: Recent Performances
Portugal have won 15 of their last 17 matches in all competitions. Georgia picked up their first point at the European Championships on Saturday when they drew 1-1 with the Czech Republic.
However, Georgia had conceded four goals in their first two games of the tournament. In the 1-1 draw against the Czechs five days ago, Georgia conceded 26 shots.
Georgia’s Struggles
Georgia picked up their first point at the European Championship on Saturday afternoon. They drew 1-1 with the Czech Republic in the second round. In the fifth minute of stoppage time, the Georgians even had the chance to win, but Saba Lobjanidze shot just wide from a promising position.
Portugal’s Dominance
Portugal corrected their poor impression from the first matchday. The Portuguese won 3-0 against Turkey on Saturday, with goals from Premier League superstars Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes.
Georgia vs Portugal: Line-ups and Team News
Georgia (3-5-2): Mamardashvili – Kverkvelia, Kashia, Dvali – Kakabadze, Kochorashvili, Mevkabishvili, Chakvetadze, Tsitaishvili – Mikautadze, Kvaratskhelia
Portugal (4-3-3): Sa, Semedo, Silva, Inacio, Dalot, Neves, Nunes, Conceicao, Joao Felix, Jota, Ramos
Portugal’s Mixed Line-up Should Be Too Strong for Georgia
Even if this game is of far greater importance for Georgia, it is hard to imagine any other outcome on the final matchday than a clear victory for Portugal. The difference in quality between these two teams is simply too great. Portugal have a very strong squad. The players who get the chance to start on Wednesday will be highly motivated to prove themselves to coach Martinez ahead of the challenges of the knockout round.
Portugal’s Winning Streak
Portugal have also won 15 of their last 17 matches in all competitions. They looked lethal in their 3-0 win over Turkey on Matchday 2 on Saturday afternoon. Georgia are still waiting for their first win at a European Championship. It’s very hard to believe that they can win here against such heavyweights.
Georgia vs Portugal: Historical Head-to-Head
Portugal won their only head-to-head meeting in 2008 2-0. Our betting tip is that Portugal will take the lead at half-time and win the game at the end with odds of 2.10.
Key Player: Diogo Jota
Diogo Jota has not yet played for Portugal at Euro 2024. This is his best chance, especially as Rafael Leao is suspended following his yellow card in the match against Turkey.
Jota scored a disallowed goal as a second-half substitute in the 2-1 win over the Czech Republic on the opening day. He has been one of Liverpool FC’s most prolific strikers in recent years despite struggling with injuries.
We expect Jota to have plenty of space to thrive in the final third against a Georgian defence full of holes. You can bet at attractive odds of 2.40 that he will score at any time.
