Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Portugal against Georgia at Euro 2024 tonight?
Cristiano Ronaldo will start when Portugal take on Georgia in their third and final Euro 2024 group stage game on Wednesday, June 26. The 2016 winners have already qualified to the knockout stages following their 3-0 victory over Turkey last time around.
Ronaldo has failed to get on the scoresheet for Portugal in the tournament so far. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner, however, selflessly passed the ball to Bruno Fernandes for the third goal, even though he was himself in a good position to take the shot.
With qualification already secured, it would have been a perfect opportunity for manager Roberto Martinez to rest a few key players ahead of the Round of 16.
The former Everton tactician, however, has confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will start as he wishes to keep his skipper match ready for the important game coming ahead.
Speaking ahead of Portugal's third game at Euro 2024, Roberto Martinez said (via Metro):
"Cristiano will be a starter tomorrow. He is an important player. He had a very consistent season and played every match, playing a lot of minutes. To continue the competitive pace, it is not a good idea to stop him playing now and then reactivate him in another six days."
Martinez added:
"The opponent in the round of 16 is not important now. Our focus is on the Georgia match. We want to win and give our best."
Cristiano Ronaldo will therefore start and lead his side's attack against Georgia on Wednesday. The Al-Nassr superstar could once again see himself partnered alongside Rafael Leao and Bernardo Silva in attack like the previous game against Turkey.
Roberto Martinez, however, does have a plethora of attacking options to choose from to come in from the substitute's bench. These include Goncalo Ramos, Diogo Jota, and Joao Felix.
Portugal have won both of their group games at Euro 2024 and will want to maintain their 100 percent record. Prior to their victory over Turkey, the Selecao opened their campaign with a narrow 2-1 win over Czech Republic last Tuesday.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will face Georgia for only the second in his career at Euro 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo has had a very successful international career with Portugal. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United great has earned 209 caps for his nation and has scored 130 goals, which is the highest in international men's football.
Despite his outstanding numbers, Ronaldo has faced Georgia only once in his illustrious career. His meeting at Euro 2024 on Wednesday will only be his second game against the Eastern European nation.
Cristiano Ronaldo's solitary appearance against Georgia came all the way back in 2008 in an international friendly. He played the first 45 minutes in a 2-0 win for Portugal before being substituted prior to the second half.
Former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Moutinho and Simao were the two goalscorers on that occasion.