If Group E at Euro 2024 is about an entire generation trying to get some hardware, Group F is about arguably the generation’s greatest player making one last run at a title. Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo will surely have played his final major international tournament whenever the team’s run is over, and he’d like to add one more international trophy to his resume. Here’s a look at Portugal and the rest of Group F, along with how we feel things will play out. All odds are courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Portugal (-250 to win group, -1600 to qualify for knockout round)
This is the most experienced and accomplished outfit in the group by a decent margin. Ronaldo has typically been forced to do a lot of things himself in previous Portugal sides, but this group has plenty of support. Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Joao Cancelo and Diogo Jota will all play sizable roles in this campaign. Portugal were unable to follow up its Euro 2016 triumph with much success, losing in the round of 16 at Euro 2021 and the quarterfinal round in the 2022 World Cup. It’s Ronaldo’s last stand at a major tournament, so the focus will be on him.
It’s been a long journey for the striker, starring in nearly every major domestic league in Europe before bouncing to Saudi Arabia for a massive paycheck. Ronaldo has largely been forgotten during the year because the Saudi Pro League isn’t getting much exposure, but now’s his chance to remind everyone how good he is on a global stage.
Turkey (+400 to win group, -280 to qualify for knockout round)
Turkey was dealt a tough injury blow ahead of the competition with Caglar Soyuncu withdrawing. However, the duo of Cenk Tosun and Hakan Calhanoglu remain solid with Kaan Ayhan providing an additional scoring threat. There’s not much to lean on with the back line, but the most concerning thing here isn’t Turkey’s lack of experience in general. It’s form.
This group has not won a match in 2024, being outscored 9-2 across four contests. Sure, there was a 0-0 draw against defending Euro champions Italy but there was also a 6-1 drubbing at the hands of Austria. Turkey will need to rediscover some chemistry ahead of this tournament because even in a softer group, that type of slide does not bode well for qualification.
Czech Republic (+600 to win group, -175 to qualify for knockout round)
The Czech Republic has not been able to make a statement at the World Cup since playing in the group stage in 2006 but this group has done some good things at the last two Euros. Czech Republic took out Netherlands at Euro 2021 in the round of 16 before bowing out in the quarterfinals against Denmark. Patrik Schick is the star of the show here, scoring one goal every two matches on average in his 38 international caps. Antonin Barak and Tomas Soucek are also integral pieces of this group, which will be looking to build on a surprising run from the last Euro.
Georgia (+1800 to win group, +165 to qualify for knockout round)
The good thing going for Georgia is the lack of expectations in this competition. The draw isn’t as bad as some of the other groups as well, which will give Georgia the chance to pull off some stunners. Most of the scoring burden will fall on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is hitting a goal every two games over his short international career. Georgia’s back line and goalkeeper have plenty of experience, which will make up for any talent gaps against opposing attacks.