The European Football Championship begins tomorrow. Having qualified for Euro 2024, hosted by Germany, as group leaders, the men’s national football team will play its first test in Group F on June 18. So what are the goals of our people?
While the first goal for both national team officials and footballers is to get out of the group, the main goal should be leadership, because the second place in Group F will put them on the difficult side of the tournament tree. Therefore, if Turkiye finishes second, there is a high possibility that they will face France in the remaining 16 rounds.
Even if they make it through the rounds, they run the risk of facing top-level teams like England or Belgium, but in the case of Leadership, that looks like it will be an easier route.
If they finish top of Group F, they will face the third team from Group A/B/C in the remaining 16 matches. If they advance, they will face the second-placed team from Group D or Group E in the quarterfinals. This is good news as it means the path to the semifinals is now clear.
The ball is round and football requires no guesswork, but Turkiye will be best rewarded if he fights for leadership.
Strong Brother of the Group: Portugal
With an all-star squad led by captain Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal are the favourites in our group on paper. Having won Euro 2016 under manager Fernando Santos, Portugal are looking to reach the final in Berlin with a squad valued at over €1 billion.
It is worth remembering that our strong rivals played in the final in 2004 and the semi-finals in 1998, 2000 and 2012. “A Seleção das Quinas”, or “The Elite”, managed by Spaniard Roberto Martínez, booked a place in EURO 2024 with 30 points after winning all 10 qualifying matches.
Portugal has scored 36 times against the opposition, but only conceded two. The national team-focused football powerhouse is hoping to send its captain off with the trophy in hand, with Ronaldo making history by competing in six consecutive European Championships.
Monument to Stability: Czech Republic
Czech Republic are a true tournament team, having qualified for the European Championships for the eighth consecutive year. Known for their stable system, they are the youngest team in EURO 2024, with an average age of 25.8 years.
Ivan Hašek’s Central European nation secured a German visa by finishing second on average in a group that also included Albania, Poland, Moldova and the Faroe Islands. Our rivals, who have taken part in every competition under a new name since Czechoslovakia split in two in 1993, reached the final in their first test in 1996 but had to settle for second place, losing to Germany on a golden goal.
The Czech Republic, who we faced in the semi-finals in 2004 and the quarter-finals in 2012 and 2020, have the qualities to cause problems for any opponent thanks to their physical strength and adherence to tactical discipline.
Don’t underestimate: Georgia
Georgia, who will open Group F, will be competing in the European Football Championship for the first time in its history. Led by French coach Wylie Sagnol, the Georgian team has faced Spain, Scotland, Norway and Greek Cyprus in the qualifiers.
They finished fourth in their group with two wins, two draws and four losses from eight games. Our neighbours failed to get a visa for Euro 2024 qualifiers but did make it into the Nations League playoffs.
After eliminating Luxembourg, they made history by beating Greece on penalties. Their biggest rivals, Georgia, are inexperienced and will attract attention with their determination and courageous football. They have nothing to lose, which means they are dangerous for the other teams in the group.
As the saying goes, “Don’t fear a full lion, fear a hungry cat,” so keeping an eye on Georgia is essential.
