The stage is set for a clash of contrasting emotions in Group F of Euro 2024 as tournament debutants Georgia face off against Turkey in their opening match on Tuesday.

Georgia: Embracing the Underdog Role

READ: Who is Arda Guler? The 18-year-old ‘Turkish Messi’ Wanted by Europe’s Biggest Clubs

For Georgia, it’s a historic occasion. Manager Willy Sagnol acknowledges their underdog status: “We are somewhat the wildcard, slipping into this tournament rather unnoticed.”

However, he assures fans they will fight tooth and nail: “What’s certain is that whether we’re playing Portugal, Czech Republic or Turkey, we will never give up and give everything we have.”

Turkey: Hungry for Group Stage Success

Meanwhile, Turkey is determined to avoid a repeat of their recent group stage exits. Manager Vincenzo Montella emphasizes their ambitions: “We want to make our fans proud and play with passion and courage… We have a chance.”

He acknowledges the challenges posed by injuries but stresses the team’s focus and belief: “We have to focus and have faith in the people we have here with us.”

Head-to-Head and Historical Notes

This will be the first meeting between these two sides in a major tournament.

While Turkey has historically dominated their friendly encounters (W3-D1-L1), Georgia’s impressive qualification run, including a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Greece, suggests a competitive match.

Turkey, aiming to break a streak of losing opening games at the Euros, will need to be wary of a fired-up Georgia side.

Arda Güler, the first Turkish player to win the Champions League with Real Madrid (albeit as a substitute), could be a key figure for Turkey.
Both teams will be aiming to make a positive statement in their opening Euro 2024 match.

This clash promises to be a fascinating encounter between a team eager to prove its worth and another seeking to overcome past disappointments.

Predicted line-ups

Türkiye: Günok; Ayhan, Demiral, Bardakcı, Kadıoğlu; Özcan, Çalhanoğlu; Güler, Yıldız, Aktürkoğlu; Yılmaz

Georgia: Mamardashvili; Kverkvelia, Kashia, Dvali; Kakabadze, Kvekveskiri, Kochorashvili, Shengelia, Chakvetadze; Kvaratskhelia, Mikautadze
Out: Giorgi Loria (suspended)

Form guide

Türkiye:
Form (all competitions, most recent first): LDLLDW

Georgia:
Form (all competitions, most recent first): WDWLDW