Preview
- Tournament: Euro 2024
- Date: Saturday, 22nd June
- Kick-off time: 2:00 PM GMT
- Venue: Volksparkstadion
In search of a victory or at least a point, Georgia and Czech Republic face-off in an all-important game at Euro 2024 this Saturday. Both sitting at the bottom of Group F without any point tells the gravity of this fixture. Georgia are playing their first-ever European Championship and have already shown their mettle despite a 1-3 loss at the hands of Turkey. The Czech Republic also went through the same fate as their weekend’s opponents as they also went down 1-2 against Portugal despite putting up a show.
Willy Sagnol’s Georgia completed one of the impressive debuts at Euro by taking more than 14 shots at goal, the most by any since Austria’s famous debut in 2008. If they want to stay alive and relevant in the tournament, they must win Saturday’s clash against Czechia.
For the Czech Republic, they, perhaps, are blaming their terrible luck which stole their three points away from Portugal in their opening game. Despite breaking the deadlock first, an unfortunate own goal from defender Robin Hranac brought the score line on level terms. When it seemed like a draw was on the cards, the 20-year-old young Portuguese substitute sealed the deal for his team and broke the Czech hearts by scoring the winner in the closing minutes. A defeat against Georgia will send them out of the competition. Having said that, let’s take a look at any injury news coming from both camps ahead of the Euro 24 clash.
Also Read: Euro 2024 Top Scorers: Taking a look at the top goal scorers in the competition
Georgia vs Czech Republic Team News
Georgia National Football Team News
Coach Sagnol will once again turn to his main star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to bring goals against Czech Republic and set the tone for a possible thriller in their last group game against Portugal. The versatile attacker has already scored 15 goals for his country, and has the ability to run riot against any unorganized defense. Another important figure in this Georgian team is Levante’s Giorgi Kochorashvili. The midfielder enjoyed a mixed La Liga season this year. As of now, there is no news of injury at the Georgia camp.
Czech Republic National Football Team News
Patrick Schick is expected to be at the front, yet again. The Bayer Leverkusen forward scored 7 goals and assisted 3 times in 20 appearances in the Bundesliga this season. With his presence inside the penalty box, experienced players such as Tomas Soucek and Lukas Provod will look to send cross after cross inwards against Georgia. Provod was the only goal scorer for Czechia against Portugal. His shot accuracy and presence of mind will play a crucial role in the battle of midfield.
Predicted Lineups
Georgia predicted lineup: Mamardashvili; Dvali, Lochoshvili, Kashia,Kakabadze, Kverkvelia; Kvekveskiri, Kochorashvili, Chakvetadze; Kvaratskhelia, Mikautadze
Czech Republic predicted lineup: Stanek; Hranac, Holes, Krejci; Barak, Coufal, Soucek, Doudera, Provod; Chytil, Schick
Head-to-head Stats
Georgia have never locked horns with the 1996 Euro runners-up Czech Republic in a major international tournament. They have also not featured in any international friendly so far. Saturday’s fixture will be their first encounter at a senior level. In the last five games, Georgia have won three, lost two and drawn once, while Czechia claimed four victories, having fallen to defeat once.
Key Players to Watch in Georgia vs Czech Republic
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia)
The 23-year-old is perhaps the best footballer in the history of Georgia. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia netted 11 times and recorded 8 assists to his name in Serie A this season – a stat that shows how influential this player is for Napoli. In the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers, he alone found the back of the net 5 times in eight appearances. With he carrying a lot of responsibilities and pressure on his shoulders, a memorable night is expected from a player of his stature.
Patrick Schick (Czech Republic)
The most important figure in the forward line of the Czech Republic is Patrick Schick. The tall forward has everything in him to win any game single-handedly. He contributed with his 5 goals in nine games for Bayer Leverkusen’s Europa League victory, the most by any player after Florian Writz. If he gets going, Georgian defenders might face an uphill task at the back.
Georgia vs Czech Republic Prediction
Ahead of the Euro 2024, Czech Republic national football team coach Ivan Hasek states that his team would play like champions. Well, his players did everything to the best of their ability to justify his words against Portugal. But, luck turned its back on them and Cristiano Ronaldo’s side had the last laugh. Before suffering this loss, Czechia were undefeated in the last four games. On the other hand, Willy Sagnol’s boys have not been consistent in their process. However, their performance against Turkey will boost their morale in this do-or-die game on Saturday. Keeping every factor under consideration, it’s fair to say the Czech Republic will earn a hard-fought victory in this tie.
Predicted Score: Georgia 2-3 Czech Republic
Where to Watch Georgia vs Czech Republic Live?
Q. Where to watch Georgia vs Czech Republic live in India?
Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV will telecast the Georgia vs Czech Republic match live in India.
Q. Where to watch Georgia vs Czech Republic live in the USA?
FOX Sports will broadcast the live telecast of Georgia vs Czech Republic in the USA.
Q. Where to watch Georgia vs Czech Republic live in the UK?
ITV will telecast the Georgia vs Czech Republic match live in the UK.
Q. Where to watch Georgia vs Czech Republic live in Georgia?
The Georgia vs Czech Republic match will be telecasted on GPB in Georgia.
Q. Where to watch Georgia vs Czech Republic live in the Czech Republic?
CT channel will provide the live telecast of the Georgia vs Czech Republic match in the Czech Republic.
Also Read: Turkey vs Portugal Preview, Prediction, Lineups and Team News | Euro 2024