Euro 2024: Belgium under pressure, Portugal aims for a perfect record!
by Azadeh Ghavidel | by Azadeh Ghavidel
With the Euro 2024 group stage set to culminate on Wednesday, Group F leader Portugal hopes to proceed to the knockout round with a perfect record. Portugal has already qualified for the knockout stage, while Georgia sits at the bottom of the group with only one point. However, a win might give the newcomer a chance to qualify for the next stage in the knockout berth.
Group E also promises a thrilling finale as all four teams are heading into their last game with three points. Belgium will duel with Ukraine at Stuttgart, with the qualification to the knockout round on the line. Ukraine has the worst goal difference among the three and is motivated to win this game to qualify since they will finish last in the group if both matches end with a draw. That puts Belgium under pressure, although they can still finish third if Slovakia beats Romania.
But can Belgium outrank Ukraine to qualify for the knockout as Portugal hopes to maintain their unbeaten record against a newcomer on Wednesday? Here’s a preview of these group-stage matches.
Will Belgium survive the pressure?
Belgium had a disappointing start for their Euro 2024 campaign following a 1-0 loss to Slovakia but managed to bounce back with their 2-0 victory over Romania in their second game. Their loss to Slovakia was a wake-up call for Kevin de Bruyne and his men, as it remains their only loss in 17 games, with 11 won. As such, experts predict both Belgium and Ukraine will score in this thrilling finale.
The Red Devils have plenty of star players who can yield results on the big stage. Romelo Lukaku is back to his rampaging performers, and Kevin De Bruyne was in great form during their game against Romania. However, they still have several injury concerns since Thomas Meunier and Axel Witsel missed their game against Romania.
Meanwhile, Ukraine lost their opening game to Romania but pulled up their socks and showed great character in their 2-1 victory over Slovakia. The Blue and Yellow packs a squad of fit players, and they understand that only a single point can book them a spot in the knockout stage. The team has won six out of their last eight games, although this will be the first time they will be facing the Belgians.
Portugal aims for the perfect Group Stage record!
With Portugal leading Group F after their unbeaten Euro 2024 campaign, newcomers Georgia will hope for a miracle to proceed to the knockout stage. Georgia ranks as the clear underdog for this matchup, but we predict they will score against Portugal, who are clear in a thrilling finale. That means both Portugal and Georgia will likely score in this game, but the newcomers need a win for a chance to compete in the knockout berth.
Portugal has qualified for the knockout stage after claiming two consecutive wins against Czechia and Turkey. The Portuguese were quite impressive in their last match against Turkey, with Bernardo Silva opening their scoring surge in the 21st minute. That was followed by another own goal, with Bruno Fernandez sealing the 3-0 win for the Portuguese. Both Silva and Fernandez will be available to continue with their impressive form against the Georgians on Wednesday.
