-
Edgar Chaput
Georgia vs. Portugal: Euro 2024 Odds, Prediction
The only debutants at Euro 2024, the Georgian fans in the stands have been electric through two matches. The team gave its supporters reason to cheer on Saturday when the Crusaders earned a point against Czechia, courtesy of a 1-1 tie. As for Portugal, legend of Cristiano Ronaldo continues. No fewer than four people tried to take pictures with him during and after their match with Turkey. There was also some soccer played, with the Iberian Peninsula side claiming a 3-0 win.
Our Euro 2024 odds believe the Portuguese will sweep their group by winning this game. They’re -250 favourites to collect three points. Georgia is +650 to win and a draw carries a +400 price tag.
Georgia vs. Portugal Betting Odds
Georgia and Portugal have only ever crossed paths once on the football pitch. It wasn’t a recent match either. Back in 2008, Portugal took an international friendly 2-0.
As mentioned in the preamble, this is Georgia’s debut at a European championship, so there is no history to go off, at least not for a competition of this magnitude. Looking at the side’s recent matches, results have been difficult to come by versus ensembles ranked above them. The qualifying matches for this summer’s tournament sheds some light as to how far the country has come, such as a draw against Norway, another versus Scotland, and a penalty shootout win over Greece.
Historically Portugal has performed quite well in the third group stage game at the Euros. The nation sports an all-time tally of 5-2-1 (win-draw-loss). Interestingly, they have not won this fixture since 2012. The last two ended in draws, with 2020’s 2-2 draw against France proving to be just sufficient to access the Round of 16.
Georgia
Short of getting completely annihilated by Ronaldo and friends, the Georgians can hold their heads up high with how well Euro 2024 has gone for them. Their effort, dedication, and courage were displayed over the weekend in a thrilling 1-1 draw with Czechia.
There was danger heading into the match. After all, the opening salvo versus Turkey ended in a 3-1 defeat. But the truth is that Georgia played well and was burned on the counterattack near the end, making the final score look worse than it was. They started the contest versus Czechia brightly, scuttering into the Czech zone in the opening minute. Granted, the Czechs are, on the whole, the superior outfit and eventually gained control, but only after Georges Mikautadze converted a penalty at 45+4. Keeper Georgi Mamardashvili was kept busy throughout the contest, repelling 11 of the 12 shots that hit the target. Without his heroics, Georgia may have suffered a different fate.
Portugal
Head coach Roberto Martinez recently said that Ronaldo does not require rest, even at age 39. He may be on to something because the ageless wonder continues to put on a show at this summer’s competition.
No, he doesn’t quite have the finishing he once did, but no one who watched Saturday’s 3-0 win over Turkey can claim he hasn’t got any juice left in the tank. Even when he isn’t producing the sort of magic he used to, defenders still pay attention to him. The team’s win against the Turks was workmanlike and professional. Bernardo Silva scored his first goal at a major international tournament in the box off a slightly lucky deflection that had the ball land at his feet as Portugal pressed.
But it was the second goal that shocked everyone. Turkish defender Samet Akaydin, sensing pressure, back passed to his keeper. However, the lack of communication meant the ball swiftly passed the goalie and rolled gently into the net. Portugal would finish the deed when Ronaldo assisted on Bruno Fernandes 56th tap-in. Even though Lady Luck smiled at Portugal, they were also clearly the better side.
