Welcome to the anticipation-filled stage of the Euros, arriving this time after a mere three-year gap. As we await the unfolding drama, speculation mounts: who will emerge as the dark horse this year? Could we witness a remarkable narrative akin to Greece’s legendary triumph in 2004?
Yet amidst these ponderings, the perennial question looms: will one of the favored teams effortlessly claim victory this time? Might we see the coveted trophy “come home” at last? Could this be the year France adds another Euro title to their accolades since their 2000 triumph? And what of the reigning champions Italy? Will they maintain their dominance or face unforeseen challenges?
Adding to the intrigue is the prospect of Germany, the host nation, seeking redemption after their 2014 World Cup glory. With a month of exhilarating football poised to commence on June 14th, fans worldwide are poised for a spectacle of epic proportions.
Portugal’s Golden Generation aims for a second European title this summer. In the Group stages, they will face two unpredictable teams, Czechia and Türkiye, as well as tournament debutants Georgia. Let’s preview Euro 2024 Group F in this article!
Read More: EURO 2024 Group D – Preview, Analysis, Strengths And Weaknesses
EURO 2024 Group F – Preview, Analysis, Strengths And Weaknesses
Portugal
How far can Portugal’s Golden Generation, led by Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, advance in this year’s Euros?
Portugal is currently ranked 6th in the FIFA World Rankings. Their qualification record is impressive, with 10 wins, 0 draws, and 0 losses. They scored 36 goals and conceded only 2.
Strengths
Portugal is the only team that won every match in qualifying, scoring 36 goals (3.6 per game) and conceding only 2. They kept 9 clean sheets, boasting one of the most balanced squads entering the tournament. They are the third favorites behind France and England to win the title this summer. Their greatest strength lies in the quality of their midfield and attack, featuring players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Rafael Leao as possible starters. Additionally, impactful substitutes like Diogo Jota and Joao Felix make them a formidable challenge for any defense.
Weaknesses
Portugal’s primary weakness may be their defense, which, despite keeping 9 clean sheets in the qualifiers, is not as strong as their attack. Players like Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, and Dalot excel in offensive play but are less reliable defensively. Moreover, coach Roberto Martinez’s tactics against top teams can sometimes be underwhelming.
Portugal Euro 2024 Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
Diogo Costa has firmly established himself as the team’s top goalkeeper since the 2020 Euros. In defense, Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo are guaranteed starters, while the choice of Dias’ partner is between Antonio Silva and Goncalo Inacio, both of whom started five qualifiers each. The other fullback position will be occupied by either Nuno Mendes or Diogo Dalot.
In midfield, Bruno Fernandes is a definite starter and the new talisman of the team. He is likely to be joined by Palhinha or Ruben Neves and Vitinha.
Up front, Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, and Rafael Leao are expected to start, with Jota and Felix as impactful substitutes.
- Goalkeeper: Costa
- Defenders: Cancelo, Dias, Inacio/Antonio Silva, Mendes/Dalot
- Midfielders: Palhinha/Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes
- Forwards: Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo, Leao
Set Piece Takers
- Penalties – Ronaldo
- Free Kicks – Ronaldo/Bruno Fernandes
- Corners – Bruno Fernandes
Turkiye
Can the Crescent Stars replicate their semi-final performances from the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2008 and fulfill their “dark horses” reputation?
Turkey is currently ranked 40th in the FIFA World Rankings. Their qualification record stands at 5 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, with 14 goals scored and 7 conceded.
Strengths
Turkey’s midfield is strong, featuring players like Calhanoglu, Ozcan, and Kokcu, who form the heartbeat of the team. Morale is high with many young players, such as Guler and Akturkoglu, eager to take the next step forward. Additionally, Turkey will likely enjoy substantial support in Germany due to geographical proximity, and fan support is crucial in international tournaments.
Weaknesses
Defensive injuries to Kabak and Soyuncu could undermine their defensive stability. Up front, they lack a focal point, and although Enes Unal seemed poised to fill this role, he was also lost to injury during training.
Turkey Euro 2024 Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Cakir is expected to start in goal, with a back four consisting of Celik, Bardacki, Kadioglu, and either Demiral or Akaydin. The midfield base should feature Calhanoglu and Ozcan, with Akturkoglu and Guler on the wings. Kokcu will likely serve as the playmaker, and the forward position will be occupied by either Yildiz or Tosun.
- Goalkeeper: Cakir
- Defenders: Celik, Demiral/Akaydin, Bardacki, Kadioglu
- Midfielders: Ozcan, Calhanoglu, Kokcu
- Forwards: Guler, Akturkoglu, Tosun/Yildiz
Set Piece Takers
- Penalties – Calhanoglu
- Free Kicks – Calhanoglu
- Corners – Calhanoglu
Czech Republic
Can the surprise quarter-finalists from the last Euros achieve another deep run in this tournament?
With a FIFA World Ranking of 36, the Czech Republic enters the tournament with a qualification record of four wins, three draws, and losing only once, having scored 12 goals and conceded 6.
Strengths
Unlike the free-flowing attacking team of the last Euros, this Czech side is more defensively solid, allowing only 5.11 Expected Goals Conceded (XGC), the fifth-lowest in Euro qualifying. The midfield anchor of Soucek and Sadilek keeps things tight against most teams. Up front, Patrik Schick and Adam Hlozek will bear the goal-scoring burden.
Weaknesses
A common issue for Czech teams in the past has been their difficulty in performing well against stronger opposition. In a group featuring free-scoring Portugal and a confident Türkiye, the team’s core needs to elevate their game if they have ambitions of reaching the knockout stages.
Czech Republic Euro 2024 Predicted Lineup (3-4-1-2)
Jindrich Stanek is expected to be chosen over the talented upcoming goalkeeper Matej Kovar from Manchester United. The formation is likely to be a back three or back five, with Zima, Brabec, and Holes as the centre backs, and Jurasek and Coufal as the wingbacks. In the midfield engine room, Soucek and Sadilek will feature, with Provod playing as the team’s playmaker. Leading the line will be the strikeforce duo of Schick and Hlozek.
- Goalkeeper: Jindrich Stanek
- Defenders: Zima, Brabec, Holes, Jurasek, Coufa
- Midfielders: Soucek, Sadilek, Provod
- Forwards: Schick, Hlozek
Set Piece Takers
- Penalties – Schick
- Free Kicks – Sadilek
- Corners – Sadilek/Provod
Georgia
Will Khvicha Kvaratskhelia lead the Crusaders to a memorable major tournament debut, or will they become the tournament’s whipping boys?
With a FIFA World Ranking of 75, Georgia enters the tournament with a qualification record of three wins, drawing three and losing four, having scored 14 goals and conceded 18.
Strenthts
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the talisman of the team, is regarded as one of the best young players emerging, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him secure a big-money move to one of Europe’s top clubs soon. Georgia exhibits brilliance in counter-attacking, with fast and pacy wingers capable of exploiting slow and aging defenders effectively.
Weaknesses
The team’s midfield and wing-back positions pose significant weaknesses. In the center of the park, Georgia often struggles to control possession against opposing teams. Additionally, the wing-backs, originally wingers converted to play in that role, lack the defensive prowess required, leaving vulnerabilities in defense.
Georgia Euro 2024 Predicted Lineup (5-3-2)
Giorgi Mamardashvili will take his place between the sticks, while Captain Guram Kashia will be flanked by Lasha Dvali and Solomon Kvirikvelia as the center backs. The wing-back positions will be occupied by Otar Kakabadze and Levan Shengelia.
In midfield, Giorgi Chakvetadze, Nika Kvekveskiri, and Giorgi Kochorashvili will form the trio, with Chakvetadze serving as the playmaker. Up front, either Budu Zivzivadze or Georges Mikautadze will partner with talisman Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
- Goalkeeper: Giorgi Mamardashvili
- Defenders: Kakabadze, Kvirkvelia, Kashia, Dvali, Shengelia
- Midfielders: Chakvetadze, Kvekveskiri, Kochorashvili
- Forwards: Mikautadze/Zivzivadze, Kvaratskhelia
Euro 2024 Set Piece Takers
- Penalties – Kvaratskhelia
- Free Kicks – Kvaratskhelia
- Corners – Kvaratskhelia/Chakvetadze
Our Predictions for Euro 2024 Group F
- Portugal
- Türkiye
- Czechia
- Georgia
