Georgiavs.Czech Republic

After both were beaten in their opening game, Hamburg hosts the nations' first encounter in any competition - and neither can afford to lose again.

Match preview

Kicking off their first European Championship campaign in Dortmund, a spirited Georgia side put Turkey to the test throughout 90 pulsating minutes and a frantic stoppage-time finale.

Pulling them level after Mert Muldur's superb strike had put the Crescent-Stars in front, Georges Mikautadze scored his country's historic maiden goal at a major tournament, sending the Georgian fans into raptures.

In all, Willy Sagnol's side had 14 shots at goal - the most by any debutant since Austria in 2008 - but they were caught out twice more, including a late third for Turkey that resulted from goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili straying upfield in search of an equaliser.

Since the group stage was introduced, only two teams have lost their first match at the Euros but still progressed - Slovakia and Northern Ireland both did so in 2016 - so Georgia must now try to become the third.

Before meeting group favourites Portugal in their final group fixture, they will again turn to Mikautadze and star man Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for inspiration against the Czechs, who were also defeated in Tuesday's opener.

Odds of 750-1 were available on Georgia lifting the Henri Delaunay trophy this summer, highlighting their outsider status, but even one point this weekend would keep alive dreams of reaching the knockout phase.

A draw would keep the Czech Republic's hopes intact too, but they will be unable to reach the last 16 if they are beaten and Turkey do not lose to Portugal a few hours later.

Despite scoring the opener via Lukas Provod's 62nd-minute strike, Ivan Hasek's side then let Portugal back into their first Group F fixture: an unfortunate own goal from Robin Hranac levelled matters in Leipzig, and with time running out, substitute Francisco Conceicao broke Czech hearts by bagging the Selecao's winner.

Though they came so close to taking a precious point, the Czech Republic completed fewer passes than any team in the first round of matches at Euro 2024, also managing only eight touches in the opposition box.

The 1996 runners-up - who also made the quarter-finals in two of their last three Euros - have now lost seven times in a dozen group matches since the 2008 finals, and one more setback could send them packing on Saturday.

A more positive approach will be expected against Georgia, and having arrived in Germany on a run of five straight wins, playing more modest opponents should result in a distinct change of emphasis.

Georgia European Championship form:

L

Georgia form (all competitions):

D

L

W

W

W

L

Czech Republic European Championship form:

L

Czech Republic form (all competitions):

W

W

W

W

W

L

Team News

Following an impressive performance in his team's defeat to Turkey, Willy Sagnol is unlikely to make many changes to Georgia's starting XI on Saturday.

Therefore, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia - his country's leading active scorer on 15 goals - will join Georges Mikautadze up front; Giorgi Kochorashvili, who plays his club football for Levante in the Spanish second tier, should continue in midfield.

Cremonese centre-back Luka Lochoshvili would be a candidate if Sagnol decides to shake things up in defence, while Zuriko Davitashvili offers a more offensive option out wide.

Meanwhile, Patrik Schick is top goalscorer in the Czech Republic's squad, with 19, and after firing a blank on Tuesday, the Bayer Leverkusen striker will again try to build on his five-goal haul at Euro 2020.

As ever, influential West Ham United pair Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal will play key roles in Ivan Hasek's side - in central midfield and at right wing-back respectively.

Jindrich Stanek made seven saves against Portugal, the most of any goalkeeper in the opening round of group games, and the Slavia Prague stopper provides the Czechs' last line of defence.

Georgia possible starting lineup:

Mamardashvili; Dvali, Kashia, Kverkvelia; Kakabadze, Kochorashvili, Mekvabishvili, Chakvetadze, Tsitaishvili; Kvaratskhelia, Mikautadze

Czech Republic possible starting lineup:

Stanek; Holes, Hranac, Krejci; Soucek; Coufal, Barak, Provod, Doudera; Chytil, Schick

We say: Georgia 1-1 Czech Republic

Under pressure to win their second Group F game, the Czech Republic may find themselves caught out by an enterprising Georgia team in Hamburg.

Sagnol's side have little to lose and a certain amount of attacking flair in the final third, so they can claim an historic first point at the Euros.

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