Burkina Faso
Czech Republic
Indonesia
Lithuania
Montenegro
Nigeria
North Macedonia

Georgia boss Willy Sagnol talks up "awesome" Cristiano Ronaldo clash ahead of Euro 2024

sportsmole.co.uk, 10 June 2024, 14:00
Georgia head coach Willy Sagnol is looking forward to an "awesome" encounter with Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in Group F of Euro 2024 this summer.

The Crusaders are preparing for their first-ever major tournament after beating Euro 2004 winners Greece on penalties in the qualification playoffs to secure their spot in Germany.

Sagnol has spent just over three years in charge of Georgia, winning 16 of his 33 games at the helm, and his side are regarded as one of the rank outsiders heading into the 17th instalment of the European Championships.

Few are predicting Georgia, ranked 75th in the world by FIFA, to escape Group F that also included Euro 2016 winners Portugal as well as Turkey and Czech Republic.

Nevertheless, Sagnol - who earned 58 international caps for France, played at two European Championships and reached the 2006 World Cup final as a player - is hoping that his Georgia side can relish their underdog status in Group F.

Sagnol's son "the biggest Cristiano Ronaldo fan on earth"

Sagnol is particularly looking forward to Georgia's third and final group-stage fixture against Portugal as one of his sons is a huge fan of five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo.

Still going strong at the age of 39, Ronaldo is the all-time top scorer at the European Championships with 14 goals and heads into this summer's tournament - his sixth on the continent - in impressive form after netting 44 times in 45 games for Al-Nassr last season.

"One of my sons is, I believe, the biggest Cristiano Ronaldo fan on earth," Sagnol told UEFA.com. "So I know that coming up against Portugal makes my son happy and that's awesome as a dad. It's going to be a very tough group, though, as Portugal are a European powerhouse."

Assessing Georgia's other opponents in Group F, Sagnol added: "Turkey have been putting in outstanding work in the last few years, with new players coming in who are young and very talented. As for Czechia, they've had great players throughout history and have taken part in many tournaments.

"And finally, us, Georgia. Somewhat the wildcard, slipping into this tournament rather unnoticed. What's certain is that whether we're playing Portugal, Czechia or Turkey, we will never give up and give everything we have."

Sagnol eyeing "top-level" improvements with Georgia

Sagnol believes that at lot has changed with the Georgian national team since his appointment in 2021, adding: "When I took charge it was a difficult period as we were in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, not to mention the fact that Georgia had just been knocked out by North Macedonia in the [Euro 2020 qualifying] playoffs back in November 2020.

"We needed to start building up again, and heal our minds and hearts too because it was a major disappointment. It was as if a dream had ended. It took time.

"We developed the players' and everyone's perspective on football. We needed to change things round a little bit, to make everything a bit more in line with the top-level requirements. The players have been fantastic in this regard.

"They've been working for two or three years now, changing many things. Some of them have even changed everything in their way of approaching football. This is a reward for those lads too, as they've believed [in this goal] for a while now."

Georgia claimed a positive result in their one and only warm-up fixture ahead of their opening Euro 2024 clash against Turkey on June 18, as they beat Montenegro by a 3-1 scoreline on Sunday.

10 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Germanyvs.Scotland
Scotland assistant coach John Carver has issued an injury update on star defender Andrew Robertson, who limped out of first-team training on Monday morning.
10 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United veteran joins England's Euro 2024 squad as 'training' player
England boss Gareth Southgate has called up a Manchester United veteran to his Euro 2024 squad as a "training" player while his side go for glory in Germany.
10 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
France0 - 0Canada
France head coach Didier Deschamps has addressed injury fears regarding star attacker Kylian Mbappe ahead of Euro 2024.
10 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Erling Haaland 'makes Manchester City exit decision' amid Premier League legal battle
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has reportedly made a decision over his long-term future at the Etihad Stadium.
10 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal suffer transfer blow as teenager confirms desire to stay at current club
Arsenal have seemingly suffered a blow in their pursuit of a defensive transfer target this summer.
10 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Barcelona 'offer £8.5m plus Raphinha' for 19-year-old Manchester United star
Barcelona are reportedly prepared to offer €10m (£8.5m) plus Raphinha for one of Manchester United's rising stars in this summer's transfer window.
10 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool defender 'in talks' over permanent exit after explosive interview
Liverpool have reportedly begun discussions to sell one of their out-of-favour defenders who blasted the club's transfer stance in a recent interview.
10 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal 'to scout' possible Oleksandr Zinchenko replacement at Euro 2024
Arsenal reportedly plan to deploy scouts to watch a highly-rated left-back in action at Euro 2024.
10 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Will Lionel Messi be in Argentina's squad for 2024 Copa America?
South American giants Argentina will endeavour to win a third consecutive major international tournament and defend their Copa America title in the USA this summer.
10 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Transfer rumours: Newcastle United make James Trafford progress, Spurs want Stuttgart man, Forest keen on Carlos Miguel
Newcastle United have reportedly made progress in their efforts to secure the signing of Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.
10 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United 'make £17m striker bid' amid Joshua Zirkzee uncertainty
Manchester United have reportedly made an approach for an alternative attacking option to Joshua Zirkzee.
10 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Xavi 'eyeing Premier League job' after Barcelona sack
Former Barcelona boss Xavi reportedly has his sights set on a move to the Premier League.
10 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Everton 'pushing to sign' £30m-rated Chelsea player
Everton are reportedly ready to be proactive in the race to sign a Chelsea player during the summer transfer window.
10 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Monday's Transfer Talk Update: Dominic Solanke, Victor Osimhen, Joshua Zirkzee
The season is over and while the transfer window doesn't technically open until June 14, clubs across the UK and Europe are free to get deals in place ahead of next season.
10 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Seychellesvs.Burundi
Burundi will be looking to secure a fifth consecutive victory over Seychelles when the two nations go head to head at the Stade Municipal de Berkane on Tuesday.
10 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Seychellesvs.Burundi
Burundi will be looking to secure a fifth consecutive victory over Seychelles when the two nations go head to head at the Stade Municipal de Berkane on Tuesday.
10 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Godoy Cruzvs.Rosario
Godoy Cruz will enter matchday five of the Argentine Primera Division campaign still seeking their first victory of the second phase when they host Rosario Central at Estadio Feliciano Gambarte on Wednesday.
10 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Zambiavs.Tanzania
Tanzania return to action in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers when they journey to the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium to go head to head with Zambia on Tuesday.
10 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Zambiavs.Tanzania
Tanzania return to action in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers when they journey to the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium to go head to head with Zambia on Tuesday.
10 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Argentinos Jrsvs.C. Cordoba
Argentinos Juniors can maintain their 100% home record in the second phase of the Argentine Primera Division campaign when they host Central Cordoba on Wednesday at Estadio Diego Armando Maradona.
10 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Monday's International Friendlies predictions including Netherlands vs. Iceland
Czech Republic vs. N. Macedonia (Monday, 5.00pm) Czech Republic will round off their preparations for this summer's European Championship with a friendly against North Macedonia in Hradec Kralove on Monday night. The hosts will begin their Euro 2024 campaign against Portugal on June 18, while North Macedonia will be back in competitive action in September in the UEFA Nations League.
10 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Slovakia Euro 2024 squad: Who makes the cut? Which stars have missed out?
Slovakia head coach Francesco Calzona has announced his final 26-man squad that will travel to Germany for Euro 2024.
10 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United attacker 'rules out Fenerbahce move' due to Mourinho stance
Fenerbahce have reportedly set their sights on signing Mason Greenwood, but the Manchester United striker has concerns about the prospect of playing under Jose Mourinho.
10 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal 'told to pay £50m for in-demand Premier League midfielder'
Arsenal have reportedly been told that they will need to shell out £50m to secure the signature of transfer target Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa.
9 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Cape Verdevs.Libya
Libya will be looking to open a three-point lead in Group D of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers when they take on Cape Verde at the Estadio Nacional de Cabo Verde on Tuesday.
9 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Cape Verdevs.Libya
Libya will be looking to open a three-point lead in Group D of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers when they take on Cape Verde at the Estadio Nacional de Cabo Verde on Tuesday.
9 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal transfer news: Gunners 'willing to accept £10m for forgotten defender'
Arsenal are ready to incur a significant loss on Kieran Tierney, as they prepare to offload the former Celtic hero permanently in the summer for just £10m, according to a report.
9 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Moldovavs.Ukraine
Ukraine will wrap up their Euro 2024 preparations when they travel to Chisinau for Tuesday's friendly with Moldova.
9 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Mauritiusvs.Eswatini
Round four of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers sees Mauritius and Eswatini go head-to-head at Cote d'Or National Sports on Tuesday afternoon.
9 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Mauritiusvs.Eswatini
Round four of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers sees Mauritius and Eswatini go head to head at Cote d'Or National Sports on Tuesday afternoon.
9 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Lithuaniavs.Estonia
Lithuania are set to host Estonia at the Darius and Girėnas Stadium in the final of the Baltic Cup on Tuesday.
9 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Latviavs.Faroe Islands
Lativa are set to host Faroe Islands at the Daugava Stadium on Tuesday in the Baltic Cup third-place playoff.
9 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chadvs.Comoros
Chad will be looking to kickstart their World Cup qualification campaign at the fourth time of asking when they welcome Comoros to the Municipal Stadium pf Oudja on Tuesday.
9 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Chadvs.Comoros
Chad will be looking to kickstart their World Cup qualification campaign at the fourth time of asking when they welcome Comoros to the Municipal Stadium pf Oudja on Tuesday.
9 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
South Sudanvs.Sudan
The final match of gameweek four in Group B at the CAF World Cup qualifiers will see South Sudan taking on Sudan at the Juba National Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
9 June 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
South Koreavs.China
South Korea have topped their AFC qualification group with 13 points and are set to host China at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Tuesday in an AFC World Cup qualifier game that could have significant ramifications for the away side's 2027 AFC Asian Cup and 2026 World Cup hopes.
Show more

Top News

18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk With a place in League B of the UEFA Nations League up for grabs, Slovakia will host Slovenia in the first leg of their playoff tie on Thursday at Stadion Tehelne pole. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany hopes that Phil Foden can play himself back into form under new England head coach Thomas Tuchel having previously endured 'poor stints' at international level. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea attacker Omari Kellyman has confirmed his season is over following his latest injury setback. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool are reportedly interested in four Bundesliga stars ahead of the summer transfer window. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal Women have been left with a mountain to climb in the Women's Champions League owing to a 2-0 loss to Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final tie. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen has admitted he expects to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Morgan Gibbs-White has revealed his reaction to receiving a late England call-up from Thomas Tuchel. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Jeremie Frimpong has fuelled speculation over a summer move to Liverpool by greeting Ryan Gravenberch in a scouse accent. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has seen three players withdraw from his squad due to injury ahead of Thursday's UEFA Nations League quarter-final first-leg clash with Netherlands at De Kuip in Rotterdam. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has named his 24-man squad ahead of Thursday's UEFA Nations League quarter-final first-leg clash with Spain at De Kuip in Rotterdam. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk UEFA Nations League holders Spain travel to De Kuip in Rotterdam to face the Netherlands in the first leg of their quarter-final tie on Thursday night. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Al Nassr are plotting a stunning move to sign Gabriel Magalhaes this summer, talkSPORT understands. 18 March 2025 talksport.com A trio of England under-21 players joined Thomas Tuchel's training session on Tuesday. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea have confirmed that Cole Palmer has returned from the England squad to undergo further assessment on the injury he sustained before Sunday's 1-0 loss to Arsenal. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Continuing their quest for a first UEFA Nations League crown, Italy will welcome familiar foes Germany to San Siro on Thursday evening, as the pair play out the first leg of an enticing quarter-final tie. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal fans may have to wait until next season to see the best of Bukayo Saka ahead of his imminent return from hamstring surgery, Gunners expert Charles Watts believes. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Jean-Philippe Mateta injury was so severe his plastic surgeon refused to show him pictures of his ear. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Ultimately aiming to claim a first UEFA Nations League title, Germany will kick off their quarter-final clash with old foes Italy on Thursday. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey has suggested that Darwin Nunez could still have a future at Anfield, but not as Arne Slot's starting number nine. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Armenia host neighbours Georgia in Yerevan on Thursday evening, as the two nations fight for the right to play in league B of the UEFA Nations League. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Liverpool are ready to consider offers for striker Darwin Nunez, talkSPORT understands. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Austria host Serbia on Thursday evening, looking to gain an advantage in their two-legged playoff for the right to play in Group A of the UEFA Nations League. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Seeking a place in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals, European heavyweights Italy and Germany will convene at San Siro on Thursday, for the first leg of their quarter-final tie. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Luka Modric has reportedly decided whether he intends to remain at Real Madrid past the end of the season. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Leicester player Hamza Choudhury was mobbed by fans after arriving for his first senior international call-up. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea winger Mykhaylo Mudryk is allegedly the subject of surprise interest from a Bundesliga club. 18 March 2025 talksport.com A brand-new competition will be taking place this summer, with some of the world's biggest clubs eyeing glory in the USA. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Ola Aina had a hilarious response to discovering he would be sharing a bed with Alex Iwobi on international duty. 18 March 2025 talksport.com Arsenal have added Carabao Cup winning Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes to their list of summer transfer targets, talkSPORT understands. 18 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Vying for a place in the UEFA Nations League's top tier, Scotland and Greece will meet for the first leg of their promotion/relegation playoff on Thursday.