Euro 2024 Preview: Group F - Portugal to sweep aside rivals?
With Group A, Group B, Group C, Group D and Group E covered, we come to Group F of Euro 2024. Here we take a look the key player, young player to watch and make a tournament prediction for Czechia, Georgia, Portugal and Turkiye.
How they reached Euro 2024
Czechia were handed one of the more navigable groups for Euro 2024 qualifying and they progressed alongside Albania and Poland having accumulated 15 points across their eight games. Unbeaten at home, Ivan Hasek's side won only one of four games on their travels, which doesn't bode well for the Euros. Hasek was appointed back in January so hasn't had ample time to work out his best system heading into the tournament.
Key Player - Tomas Soucek
The Czech captain, Hasek will again look to Tomas Soucek to boost their chances of progressing to the next round of the Euros. Soucek was the best rated player in Group E, earning a WhoScored rating of 7.69, and performed well for West Ham last season. The 29-year-old offers the physical presence in midfield and is a set-piece threat for Czechia with two of his three goals in qualifying coming from deadball situations.
Young Player to Watch - Adam Hlozek
Adam Hlozek struggled for game time under Xabi Alonso in Bayer Leverkusen's unbeaten domestic campaign but once Die Werkself had all-but wrapped up the title, the 21-year-old was granted the opportunity to prove his worth. Indeed, his last three league outings of the campaign all came from the outset, during which he scored one and provided three assists. He won't get in the XI ahead of club teammate Patrik Schick but Hlozek is a handy option in reserve for Ivan Hasek.
Tournament Prediction - Round of 16
How they reached Euro 2024
Georgia took the long way round to Euro 2024 qualification. Willy Sagnol's side finished fourth in Group A and relied on securing their spot at a major tournament for the first time by defeating Luxembourg and then Greece in their UEFA Nations League playoff. The Crusaders will hope this summer marks the first of many international tournaments.
Key Player - Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
It's impossible to look beyond Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as Georgia's key player at the Euros. 'Kvaradona' was key as Napoli landed the 2022/23 Scudetto and while this season saw them drop away, Kvaratskhelia has been superb once more. A WhoScored rating of 7.50 was enough to make the Serie A team of the season with the winger scoring 11 and providing six assists. No player won more WhoScored player of the match awards than the 23-year-old (10) in Europe's top five leagues and he'll be the one to watch for Sagnol's team.
Young Player to Watch - Georges Mikautadze
Metz were relegated to Ligue 2 as they lost their relegation playoff with Saint-Etienne. That they had a fighting chance to beat the drop was due to the end-of-season form of striker Georges Mikautadze following his return to France from Ajax. The 23-year-old ended the regular campaign with 13 goals and four assists, netting eight times in the final seven games of the season. Sagnol may opt for the experience of Giorgi Kvilitaia in attack but Mikautadze proved at club level that he knows how to hurt opponents.
Tournament Prediction - Group Stages
How they reached Euro 2024
Portugal breezed through their Euro 2024 qualification group, winning all 10 games, scoring 36 goals and conceding just twice as they battered the likes of Slovakia, Luxembourg and Iceland. Roberto Martinez has proven a very good fit for Portugal and they'll be confident of claiming another European trophy in Germany this summer.
Key Player - Bruno Fernandes
Cristiano Ronaldo may be Portugal's top scorer but Bruno Fernandes was their star man in qualifying. Indeed, Fernandes was directly involved in 13 of their 36 goals, netting six times and laying on an additional seven assists. The 29-year-old made more key passes (114) than any other player in the Premier League last season and there will be pressure on the creative star to provide the ammunition for the abundance of attacking personnel at Martinez's disposal.
Young Player to Watch - Joao Neves
Joao Neves exploded onto the scene last season as he enjoyed a fine breakout campaign with Benfica. His performances in Liga Portugal didn't go unnoticed either, with Premier League giants Manchester United believed to be keeping tabs on Neves. The teenager has plenty of competition for a spot in a packed Portugal midfield but with five caps to his name already, Martinez has plenty of faith in the 19-year-old.
Tournament Prediction - Semi-finals
How they reached Euro 2024
Despite being drawn in a tough group, Turkiye actually managed to finish above both Croatia and Wales on their way to top spot. They lost just the once as they earned 17 points from eight games, which included a fine 1-0 win in Croatia. It'll be interesting to see whether they can finally live up to their 'Dark Horse' billing.
Key Player - Hakan Calhanoglu
Expect captain Hakan Calhanoglu to pull the strings from midfield once more as Turkiye seek to progress beyond the group stages. Calhanoglu was instrumental as Inter claimed the Serie A title and fans are hoping the 30-year-old can transfer his club form to country in Germany this summer. If he's on song, then Vincenzo Montella's side stand as good a chance as any as making it to the knockout stages.
Young Player to Watch - Arda Guler
Once the La Liga title was wrapped up, Arda Guler was handed the chance to showcase his talent for Real Madrid. Having joined from Fenerbahce last summer, injuries initially curtailed his start to life in Spain but he ultimately finished the campaign with six league goals to his name, netting in four of his last five appearances of the season. The 19-year-old wasn't put off by the pressure of playing for a team of Real Madrid's stature, and this bodes well the Crescent-Stars.
Tournament Prediction - Group Stages
Group prediction
1. Portugal
2. Czechia
3. Turkiye
4. Georgia
