a completely crazy group E, the Portuguese big names facing the Georgian little thumb… Wednesday’s program

With four teams on three points after two days, group E is the most undecided in this Euro, even if all the teams in group F can also qualify on Wednesday.

A day full of indecision, which will inevitably make people unhappy, but a day which will also seal the group stage of this Euro 2024, with all the known qualifiers, including the best third place. Wednesday June 26, groups E and F will deliver their verdict, with four matches on the program. At 6 p.m., in the incredible Group E (where all teams have three points after two matches), Belgium will face Ukraine while Slovakia will cross swords with Romania.

Woe to the losers, therefore, in this group in which the last could count more points than some of the best thirds… To be sure, we will have to wait for the outcome of group F, the last two matches of which will begin at 9 p.m. . Already qualified and assured of first place, the Portuguese will play against Georgia, who can still dream of a historic qualification. In the other match, the Turks will want to recover against the Czech Republic after the slap they received against the Portuguese.

The poster not to be missed: Ukraine-Belgium (6 p.m.)

We’ve said it: this group E is completely crazy. After two days, all teams have three points and can either qualify or be eliminated. In this context, the clash between Ukraine and Belgium, which we imagined before the start of the competition as a final for first place in this group, takes on even more capital importance.

Between the Ukrainians, surprised in the first match by Romania before recovering against Slovakia, and the Red Devils, surprised during the first day by Slovakia before recovering against Romania, it is an indecisive shock which is taking shape, even if the Belgians start with a head start. The teammates of Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are indeed coming off a successful and encouraging performance against Romania and seem more complete than Ukraine.

The team to watch: Georgia dreams of the feat against Portugal (9 p.m.)

For its first participation in a major competition, Georgia has no complexes and goes through the stages one after the other. Thus, despite the defeat against Turkey (3-1) in their first match, the men of Frenchman Willy Sagnol scored their first goal in the Euro. In the next match, against the Czech Republic, they scored their first point by obtaining a draw. The next step for the Crusaders (their nickname) is therefore logically a first victory… Except that Georgia faces Portugal this time.

But hope remains for stars Georges Mikautadze (FC Metz), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Naples) and their teammates. In addition to their status as outsiders who are evolving without any pressure – being at the Euro is already a victory for them – the Georgians face the Portuguese who are not only already qualified, but potentially even more demobilized as they are assured of the first place. So, will the surprising Georgia achieve the double feat of beating Portugal and qualifying for the round of 16?

Matches to watch on double screen: Slovakia-Romania (6 p.m.) and Czechia-Turkey (9 p.m.)

On paper, certainly, a Slovakia-Romania is not enough to unleash the crowds. And yet: since the start of the Euro, the Romanians have proven to be one of the collective sensations of the tournament. Impressive winners over Ukraine (3-0) in the opening, they certainly ended up cracking against Belgium, but after waging a daunting battle. Facing Slovakia, the current leaders of Group E need a victory to validate their qualification for the round of 16 and hope to retain first place in the group. In the event of a draw, they will at worst be third best. On the other hand, in the event of defeat, it is Slovakia which would continue the adventure, while the fate of the Romanians would be in suspense.

In group F, Turkey will have more of a margin over its evening opponent: the Czech Republic. And for good reason, the Turks have three points in the standings at kick-off, compared to just one small point for their opponents. The latter must therefore win to qualify, while a draw will be enough for Turkey. However, the teammates of the young prodigy Arda Güler must forget the slap received against Portugal. Nothing like a victory for that.