Ronaldo and Portugal Dreaming Big
2024 Euro Group F Odds: Portugal, Turkey, Czechia, Georgia
Georgia Making Major Tournament Debut
Portugal were a perfect 10-0 in UEFA Euro Qualifiers and they’re in a favorable group at Euro 2024. Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal will take on Turkey, Czechia and tournament debutants Georgia in June. In fact, this is Georgia’s major tournament debut and they’ll look to make a name for themselves. Ahead of the play, let’s check out the Euro 2024 Group F odds and preview the teams.
Portugal Ready to Make a Run
The Portugal national football team was a perfect 11-0 under Roberto Martinez until March’s 2-0 friendly loss to Slovenia. It could be just a blip on the radar as Portugal take a highly talented squad into Euro 2024. Cristiano Ronaldo has regained his starting spot under Martinez and he’s still playing at a high level.
The Al-Nassr striker found the net ten times in qualifiers. Cristiano Ronaldo’s career stats are also ridiculous. Ronaldo has scored 891 career goals and 128 for the national team, which is an international record. He’s also made over 200 international appearances, which no other player has done. This is set to be his sixth European championship, which no other player has done either.
This team is certainly not all about Ronaldo, though. PSG midfielder Vitinha had a breakout season, and he’ll be looking to carry his good form into the Summer. Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes are two key creators who will feed Ronaldo and can also score. Rafael Leao is an incredible option to have, whether he starts or come off the bench.
Then, there’s 41-year old center back Pepe, who’s still playing at a high level. Joao Cancelo, Goncalo Inacio, Joao Felix and Joao Palhinha could all play key roles as well. The Group Stage Portugal national team schedule is favorable and they’ll be thinking about three wins. Portugal are -225 group favorites and sit at +2500 odds to finish in last. They’ve never before exited a Euro in the Group Stage.
Unpredictable Turkey Not Short on Talent
On one hand, Turkey topped a qualifying group with Croatia and Wales in it. On the other, Turkey lost 1-0 to Hungary and 6-1 to Austria in March. Turkey are certainly an unknown quantity heading into the Summer. There’s tons of talent on this team, but how it comes together is another question.
Granted, they are in a favorable group so it wouldn’t be surprising to see Turkey pick up a few wins. Hakan Calhanoglu is the key man here and the midfielder was a big part of Inter’s dominant Serie A title this season. Orkun Kokcu is another accomplished midfielder who scored seven goals for Benfica this season.
Vincenzo Montella may need one of his teenage stars to step up for Turkey to have a chance to go far, though. Arda Guler was a scoring machine when given time at the end of Real Madrid’s season. Meanwhile, Juventus striker Kenan Yildiz had a breakthrough campaign. Midfield is where Turkey’s strength is but there are questions about either end of the pitch.
Turkey come in at +400 odds both to be Group F winners and to finish at the bottom of the pile.
Czechia’s Upside Limited
Czechia’s upside is likely limited but they usually manage at least one win in the Euros. If Czechia can manage to create transition opportunities or put in crosses, they do have a talented finisher, in Patrik Schick. His Bayer Leverkusen teammate Adam Hlozek is another dynamic player in a team short on game changers.
Tomas Soucek is a steadying presence in midfield, who can also score goals when need be. However, we certainly question the depth of this Czechia team. Still, they’re not the worst team in the group on paper and third place in the group could be enough to get back to a second straight knockout stage.
At the moment, the Euro 2024 Group F odds price them at +550 odds to win Group F and +350 odds to finish in dead last.
Georgia Happy to Be Here
Georgia aren’t even one year removed from a 7-1 loss to Spain on home soil. Known as the “Crusaders”, Georgia finished behind all of Spain, Scotland and Norway in their Qualifying group. However, they sealed a place in the playoff through the Nations League and managed to defeat Luxembourg 2-0 and Greece in penalties.
Georgia, like North Macedonia at Euro 2020, are making their major tournament debut. This is an incredible moment for the country but it’ll be difficult for them to compete. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is a bonafide superstar winger and should end his career as his country’s all-time leading scorer.
However, he’s unlikely to have much support outside of Georges Mikautadze, who scored 13 goals for Metz in Ligue 1. Georgia’s backline is quite experienced, but not at this level, and it will be a big challenge going up against the likes of Ronaldo and Schick. The Euro 2024 Group F odds price Georgia as unlikely +1600 winners and -200 odds to finish at the bottom.
