UEFA EURO 2024 is on the horizon, and Group F is already shaping up to be a fascinating contest. This group brings together a blend of seasoned EURO participants and a debutant nation eager to make their mark. Featuring Türkiye, Georgia, Portugal, and Czechia, Group F promises a mix of tactical battles and thrilling football moments. Let’s delve into what each team brings to the table and what to expect from this compelling group.
The Group F schedule is packed with eagerly anticipated matches:
Group F Fixtures:
- June 18: Türkiye vs Georgia (Dortmund, 18:00 CEST)
- June 18: Portugal vs Czechia (Leipzig, 21:00 CEST)
- June 22: Georgia vs Czechia (Hamburg, 15:00 CEST)
- June 22: Türkiye vs Portugal (Dortmund, 18:00 CEST)
- June 26: Czechia vs Türkiye (Hamburg, 21:00 CEST)
- June 26: Georgia vs Portugal (Gelsenkirchen, 21:00 CEST)
Türkiye
EURO Pedigree: Türkiye is a regular fixture in recent EURO tournaments, marking their fifth appearance, with EURO 2020 being their most recent. Their best performance was a memorable semi-final run in 2008. However, they have faced group stage exits in their last two appearances, making them keen to break this streak.
Qualifying Journey: Topping Group D in qualifying, Türkiye showcased their strength with 5 wins, 2 draws, and only 1 loss in 8 matches. Their qualification was secured emphatically with a 4-0 victory over Latvia.
Strengths and Players to Watch: Türkiye boasts a passionate fanbase and a squad with a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talents. Keep an eye on players like Hakan Çalhanoğlu in midfield, known for his playmaking abilities and set-piece expertise, and young forwards looking to make a name for themselves on the international stage.
Previous Encounters:
- vs Czechia: A rich history with 6 wins, 3 draws, and 12 losses. Their most recent friendly in 2022 saw Türkiye win 2-1.
- vs Portugal: Historically challenging, with 2 wins and 7 losses. The last encounter was a 3-1 loss in a 2022 World Cup qualifier.
- vs Georgia: A more favorable record with 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss. They won their last friendly 3-1 in 2012.
Georgia
EURO Pedigree: Georgia is the newcomer in Group F, making their historic debut at a major international tournament as an independent nation. This is uncharted territory for Georgian football, and they will be eager to prove themselves.
Qualifying Journey: Despite finishing fourth in Group A, Georgia’s EURO dream came alive through the play-offs. Victories over Luxembourg and a dramatic penalty shootout win against Greece secured their place in Germany.
Strengths and Players to Watch: Led by coach Willy Sagnol, Georgia’s team spirit and resilience were evident in their play-off journey. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is undoubtedly the star player, bringing flair and attacking prowess. Their underdog status might work to their advantage, allowing them to play with freedom and surprise opponents.
Previous Encounters:
- vs Czechia: Never played before, adding an element of unpredictability to their match.
- vs Portugal: Limited history with 1 loss, a 2-0 friendly defeat in 2008.
- vs Türkiye: A mixed record with 1 win, 1 draw, and 3 losses. Their last friendly was a 3-1 loss in 2012.
Portugal
EURO Pedigree: Portugal is a EURO powerhouse, participating in their 8th tournament. They are the EURO 2016 champions and reached the Round of 16 in EURO 2020. With a strong squad, they are consistently among the contenders.
Qualifying Journey: Portugal was dominant in Group J, achieving a perfect record of 10 wins in 10 matches, the only team to do so in EURO 2024 qualifying. Under new coach Roberto Martínez, they scored an impressive 36 goals and conceded only 2.
Strengths and Players to Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo, potentially making his sixth EURO appearance, remains a central figure and record holder. However, Portugal’s strength lies in their overall squad depth, featuring world-class players in every position, including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Rúben Dias. They are considered strong favorites to win Group F and are among the top contenders for the entire tournament.
Previous Encounters:
- vs Czechia: A strong record with 7 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses. They won their last match 4-0 in the UEFA Nations League in 2022.
- vs Türkiye: Dominant history with 7 wins and only 2 losses. Their most recent game was a 3-1 win in a 2022 World Cup qualifier.
- vs Georgia: A single encounter, a 2-0 friendly win in 2008.
Czechia
EURO Pedigree: Czechia boasts a rich EURO history, with 10 appearances (including as Czechoslovakia). They famously won EURO 1976 as Czechoslovakia and have consistently performed well since, reaching the quarter-finals twice, semi-finals, and even the final in recent editions.
Qualifying Journey: Czechia secured their eighth consecutive EURO appearance by finishing second in Group E. They recorded 4 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss in qualifying.
Strengths and Players to Watch: Czechia is known for its organized and resilient teams. Patrik Schick, who was the joint top scorer at EURO 2020, will be crucial to their attacking hopes. Their experience in major tournaments and tactical discipline make them a tough opponent.
Previous Encounters:
- vs Portugal: A less favorable record with 4 wins, 3 draws, and 7 losses. They lost their last game 4-0 in the UEFA Nations League in 2022.
- vs Türkiye: Historically challenging but recently more competitive, with 12 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses. They lost their last friendly 2-1 in 2022.
- vs Georgia: No previous encounters, adding intrigue to their upcoming match.
Group F: What to Expect
Group F is poised to deliver drama and excitement. Portugal enters as the clear favorite, but Türkiye and Czechia are seasoned campaigners capable of causing upsets. Georgia, as the debutant, will be playing with nothing to lose and could be a surprise package. Every match in Group F has the potential to be a tightly contested affair, making it a must-watch group in EURO 2024. Football fans should mark their calendars for these intriguing clashes!
