The first day of the group stage of the European Championship ends on Tuesday with the matches of Group F, and a slightly less busy program than the previous days.
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Four teams remain to be discovered in this Euro. The nations of Group F are the last to enter the competition in Germany, Tuesday June 18. Portugal, European champion in 2016, must assume its status as favorite of the group – or even of the competition – from its first match against a Czech Republic which remains in a quarter-final in 2021.
Before this meeting, Georgia will play the first match in its history in a European championship at the start of the evening (6 p.m.). Opposed to Turkey for their entry into the competition, Willy Sagnol’s men can dream of going a little further in the competition in the event of a good result.
The poster not to be missed: Portugal-Czech Republic (9 p.m.)
After three contrasting preparation matches (2-1 defeat against Croatia, 4-2 victories against Finland and 3-0 against Ireland), Portugal must establish its status as soon as it enters the competition (on TF1 and beIN Sports) . Led by Cristiano Ronaldo, first player to play in six European Championships and top scorer in the history of the competition (14 goals), the Seleçao advances as the favorite of Group F after having flown through the qualifications (ten victories in as many matches).
Still armed with Patrik Schick, co-top scorer in 2021 (five goals) with a certain Cristiano Ronaldo, the Czech Republic aims to advance through the Euro groups for the second time in a row, after its good run to the quarter-finals in 2021. Ivan Hasek’s men were full of confidence to prepare for the German deadline, winning their four matches in 2024 (against Norway and Armenia in March, then Malta and North Macedonia at the start of June).
The team to watch: a historic first for Georgia (6 p.m.)
He’s a little thumb with French accents. Led by 2006 world vice-champion Willy Sagnol, Georgia faces Turkey for its first in a major international competition since its independence in 1990 (on beIN Sports). The Crusaders can count on the Franco-Georgian Georges Mikautadze, star striker of FC Metz trained at Olympique Lyonnais, as well as on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Naples), within an extremely well-endowed offensive sector.
On the other hand, Turkey must redeem itself after Euro 2021 finished in last place in its group, with three scathing defeats. Excellent in the qualifiers, where they beat Croatia and Wales in particular, Vincenzo Montella’s men aim to return to the knockout phase for the first time since 2008. The new generation, played by Kenan Yildiz (19 years old, Juventus ), Arda Güler (19 years old, Real Madrid) and Orkun Kökçü (23 years old, Benfica) carry the hopes of the country.