Portugal are aiming to continue their perfect record at Euro 2024 when they face Georgia in their final Group F match.
Having secured victories over Czechia and Turkey, Roberto Martinez’s side have already qualified for the last 16 as group winners. Therefore, nothing but pride rides on their meeting with Georgia, but it may prove an opportunity for some fringe players to make an impression on the big stage.
With progression in the bag already, Martinez may use this chance to rest some of his key players. Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe – who boast a combined age of 80 – may be two that are given the night off, while Rafael Leao will be nothing more than a spectator having picked up two yellow cards at the tournament for diving.
Here is how Portugal could line up for their battle with Georgia.
GK: Diogo Costa – One area that Martinez will be reluctant to rotate is in goal. Porto stopper Costa is yet to put a foot wrong at the tournament and has beaten Rui Patricio and Jose Sa to the number one jersey.
RB: Diogo Dalot – The Manchester United defender started the Czechia clash but was dropped against Turkey. He may be restored to the starting lineup to offer Joao Cancelo a breather.
CB: Antonio Silva – Benfica’s young star was a substitute against Turkey, earning his first taste of Euros action. The 20-year-old has enormous potential and could well be Portugal‘s starting centre-back for the next decade should he meet it.
CB: Goncalo Inacio – Combined, Silva and Inacio are just a year older than Pepe. The latter is also a young star in the making and plying his trade in Portugal, with the left-footed centre-half reportedly interesting both Liverpool and Real Madrid.
LB: Nuno Mendes – Portugal don’t have a natural replacement for Mendes at left-back, meaning the Paris Saint-Germain defender should start again on Wednesday. His pace will keep wing-back Otar Kakabadze busy.
DM: Ruben Neves – The former Wolves midfielder is now turning out in the Saudi Pro League, which is unlikely to have seen his stock rise in Martinez’s eyes. He could be offered his first start of the tournament, replacing the dynamic Vitinha.
DM: Joao Palhinha – There is nobody in Portugal’s squad that can offer the the same protection as Palhinha, who screens the back four wonderfully. If Portugal rotate in defence, the Fulham man will be needed to solidify things.
RM: Bernardo Silva – The diminutive midfielder netted his first major tournament goal for Portugal against Turkey with a well-taken finish. He also offers something completely unique to Martinez as an inside forward on the right flank.
AM: Bruno Fernandes – Having been key to Portugal’s success so far, opening his Euro 2024 account against Turkey, Fernandes has been the chief creator among Martinez’s men. He will fancy adding to his tally against a Georgia side yet to keep a clean sheet.
LM: Pedro Neto – Leao’s suspension opens the door for either Diogo Jota or Neto, but the Wolves winger was preferred from the bench last time out. If he can stay fit for the rest of the tournament, he will be an excellent impact sub.
ST: Goncalo Ramos – Whether Martinez has the courage to rest Ronaldo remains to be seen, but it will be Ramos to replace international football’s record goalscorer if a change is made. He has eight goals in 13 caps to date.
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