9th Day of EURO 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo Reaches New Football Heights, and the “Red Devils” Rebound.
In their matches, Portugal and Belgium faced no difficulties, while Georgia and the Czech Republic shared a point each.
The ninth day of Euro 2024 did not disappoint. We watched three matches again, but starting the next day, the schedule will be limited to two games per day, played simultaneously.
On the penultimate Saturday of June, we enjoyed a spectacular match between Georgia and the Czech Republic, a recital by Portugal, and Belgium’s first victory in the championship.
Georgia and the Czech Republic had to settle for a draw. After losing their opening games, Georgia earned its first points in the championship. For Georgia, the point is historic in the European finals, as the team is making its debut in 2024.
The match was definitely worth watching.
Both teams could have won. Georges Mikautadze opened the scoring for Georgia with a precisely executed penalty at the end of the first half. In the 59th minute, Czech star Patrik Schick equalized.
The match was very interesting, with numerous chances. The Czechs had more opportunities, attacking fiercely, especially towards the end, but Georgia held on with discipline and a bit of luck. During the 90 minutes, the Czech players made 25 shots.
Although they came close to turning the game around in the second half, Georgia must regret missing a chance in the 95th minute when Lobzhanidze, instead of scoring a second goal, sent the ball far away from the target. Both teams retained a chance for second place, but their task took work.
In the second match of this group, Cristiano Ronaldo set yet another record, and Portugal secured their place in the round of 16 thanks to a 3:0 victory against Turkey.
The Portuguese captain is now the number one in assists in the history of European championships, having already become the top scorer. The forward showed himself as a true team player today, while Turkey was far from what they showed in their first match against Georgia.
Portugal’s success came after a significantly better performance compared to their unconvincing start against the Czechs a few days ago.
Roberto Martinez’s team had a bit of luck. At 0:0, the Turks missed a 100-percent chance through Kerem Akturkoglu.
The first goalscorer at Borussia’s stadium in Dortmund was Bernardo Silva, who scored in the 21st minute. Eight minutes later, defender Samet Akaydin scored an own goal, and in the 56th minute, Bruno Fernandes netted the third goal after a record-breaking assist from Cristiano Ronaldo.
The match will also be remembered for several fans rushing to take a photo with Ronaldo. The 39-year-old veteran accepted the first child with a smile but then visibly started to protest the security lapses. Portugal leads the group with 6 points, followed by Turkey with 3.
In the last match, Belgium won their first European Championship, overcoming Romania 2:0 in a Group E match. The team started the tournament with a surprising loss to Slovakia and achieved success with goals from Youri Tielemans (2′) and Kevin De Bruyne (79′).
Romania also had its chances but failed to capitalize on them, suffering its first defeat.
Both of Belgium’s goals came after gross errors in the Romanian defense, with the second goal surprisingly assisted by the Belgian goalkeeper.
A goal by Romelu Lukaku was disallowed, making it the third time since the start of the European Championship that a goal by the striker was not counted.
Belgium’s victory seriously complicates the situation in Group E, as all four teams – Romania, Belgium, Slovakia, and Ukraine – have 3 points each, with one round remaining.
Georgia – Czech Republic 1:1
G.Mikautadze (45+4′ Pen) ; P.Schick (59′)
Turkey – Portugal 0:3
B.Silva (21′), S.Akaydin (28′ Own Goal), B.Fernandes ( 56′)
Belgium – Romania 2:0
Y.Tielemans (2 ‘), K. De Bruyne (79’)
Group E Group F
1.Romania 3 pts 1.Portugal 6 pts
2.Belgium 3 pts 2.Turkey 3 pts
3.Slovakia 3 pts 3.Czech Republic 1 pt
4.Ukraine 3 pts 4.Georgia 1 pt
Upcoming matches in Group E: Upcoming matches in Group F:
– Jun 26: Ukraine – Belgium – Jun 26: Czech Republic – Turkey
– Jun 26: Slovakia – Romania – Jun 26: Georgia – Portugal