"We'll play our game there" – Giorgi Mamardashvili sends message ahead of clash with Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal at Euro 2024
Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has sent a defiant message to Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal ahead of their UEFA Euro 2024 clash this Wednesday (June 26).
Earlier this Saturday (June 22), Georgia picked up their first point of the Euro 2024 after holding Group F opponents Czech Republic to a 1-1 draw in Hamburg. They lost their first match 3-1 to Turkey on June 18.
At a pre-match press conference, Mamardashvili shared his thoughts on Georgia's start to the continental tournament. He said (h/t OneFootball):
"First of all, I am very satisfied and happy because we are here and we have taken our first point. This is a historic moment. Of course, we could have won at the last moment, I'm a little disappointed. But this is football, anything can happen."
Opining on the contest against Ronaldo's side, Mamardashvili added:
"Three points would have been very important, but one point will do because we continue our fight and we will have a very difficult match against Portugal. They are one of the favorite teams to win Euro. But we'll play our game there. We will do our best and we will see."
Portugal, who are a one-time Euro winner, are currently atop Group F of the Euro 2024 with six points from two matches. They defeated Czech Republic 2-1 in their opening clash and beat Turkey 3-0 afterwards.
Mamardashvili, on the other hand, will be hoping to replicate his form for Valencia at the international stage on Wednesday. The 23-year-old kept 13 clean sheets in 37 La Liga matches in the 2023-24 campaign.
Pundit asserts Cristiano Ronaldo would not feature for England at ongoing Euro 2024
Speaking to Irish bookmaking website BoyleSports, Scotland legend Ally McCoist suggested that Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo would not start for England. He said (h/t GOAL):
"Saying Cristiano Ronaldo wouldn't play for England, I think it's probably right. Five or ten years ago he walked in and it would be him and 10 others, but father time has caught up to him, as it does to everybody. I think that's where he is at this moment in time, and I don't think he gets in the England starting 11."
Ronaldo, who registered 35 goals and 11 assists in 31 league outings for Al-Nassr last season, is considered to be in the twilight of his career. On current form, Harry Kane is likely to make the cut ahead of the ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star in England's XI.
So far, the 39-year-old has assisted once at the ongoing Euro 2024.