TURKEY will kickstart their Euro 2024 campaign with a clash against underdogs Georgia.
The team will have the chance to redeem themselves after being tipped as dark horses for Euro 2020.
ReutersGeorgia will be making their Euro bow in Germany[/caption]
GettyThey face Turkey in their opening match[/caption]
Turkey disappointed at the tournament as they exited the group stage without winning a single match.
This time around, they will face Portugal, the Czech Republic and, of course, Georgia in Group F.
Massive underdogs Georgia will be Turkey’s first game of the tournament on Tuesday.
Turkey come into Euro 2024, having topped their qualification group ahead of the likes of Croatia and Wales.
Vincenzo Montella’s side, however, is not in the best form, having lost three of their last four fixtures.
This run includes a 6-1 hammering by Austria back in March.
Georgia caused a massive shock by sealing qualification to the tournament.
Willy Sagnol’s side reached the finals after finishing fourth in Group A.
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However, they managed to win their playoff qualifiers against Greece and Luxemburg to book their ticket to Germany.
It is the nation’s first appearance at the Euros in its history and is currently ranked no.75 in the world.
Georgia should not be underestimated, however, as they have a few stars in their team.
Key players include Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Team news?
Bournemouth striker Enes Unal will miss the tournament for Turkey.
Other big misses will be former Premier League stars Caglar Soyuncu and Ozan Kabak.
Georgia however appear to have a clean bill of health with the main focus being on stars Kvaratskhelia and Mamardashvili.
The duo have attracted a lot of interest in the transfer market and could put themselves in further in the shop window with a good performance.
What has been said?
Georgia talisman Kvaratskhelia has insisted that the team’s aim is to make it out of the group stages.
He said: “Preparations are at maximum intensity because there is not long to go before our dream – the first match in the EURO for Georgia’s national team, and we are loaded with emotions.
“But we are trying to control these emotions. We are preparing as best as we can for the first game, which is the most important because we will keep on going with the same mood as we begin.
“Our first goal, just like every other team probably, is to go past the group stage and we will do everything to achieve this.
“I hope the game ends in our favour and our goal will be achieved.”
Turkey boss Montella believes that this edition of the Euros will be even harder than in 2021.
He said: “In my opinion, this competition is more difficult than previous ones because the bar has been raised and even the mid-level teams have improved their level.
“So the team must do its best and have conviction but absolutely not arrogance.”
SunSport prediction?
Turkey 1-1 Georgia
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When is Turkey vs Georgia?
Turkey’s big clash with Georgia takes place on Tuesday, June 18.
The game will kick off at 5pm BST.
Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany will host the game.
What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
Romania vs Ukraine will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
You can live stream all the action from the BBC iPlayer app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
Can I watch for FREE?
Yes, you can watch the game for FREE on the BBC so long as you have a valid TV licence.
Odds
Turkey – 4/5
Draw – 13/5
Georgia – 15/4
*Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication.