Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal won their premiere match in the European Championship. But it was a close call. Now, they face tough opponents Turkey – with super talent Arda Güler. And can Belgium bounce back after their initial failure? Here's everything you need to know about today's European Championship matches.
What: Georgia-Czech Republic, group F.
When: Saturday 22 June, 15.00.
Where: Volksparkstadion, Hamburg.
TV/Radio: TV4/TV4 Play/P4 Radiosporten.
+ Czech Republic's big chance
Both Czech Republic and newcomer Georgia started the European Championship with losses. Czech Republic was only minutes away from securing a point against Portugal in their premiere and impressed for long periods of the game. With a similar performance as last time, three points are certainly within reach – and a win would mean that the dream of advancing to the next round is still very much alive for the Czechs.
+ Georgia's corner threat
Georgia, on paper the worst team in the European Championship, likes to attack along the flanks, which often leads to corners. In fact, Georgia is one of the teams in the championship that gets the most corners per match. In their premiere loss, 1–3, against Turkey, Georgia created five corners, and in their rehearsal against Moldova, they got as many as seven corners.
+ Will the talent get playing time?
Czech attacking talent Adam Hlozek remained on the bench for the entire match against Portugal. Will he make his European Championship debut now? The 21-year-old is tipped for a bright future and responded with two goals in 23 Bundesliga matches last season, when his Bayer Leverkusen went through the league season without losing a single match.
What: Turkey-Portugal, group F.
When: Saturday 22 June, 18.00.
Where: Westfalenstadion, Dortmund.
TV/Radio: TV4/TV4 Play/P4 Radiosporten.
+ Shaky premiere for Ronaldo's Portugal
Yes, they got three points in their premiere against Czech Republic. But Portugal didn't exactly impress. It wasn't until stoppage time that substitute Francisco Conceicao could score the decisive 2–1, and there are several question marks over Portugal's play, not least now that tougher opponents await.
+ Super talent praised
Arda Güler's season in Real Madrid was disrupted due to injuries, but when the 19-year-old played, he showed class. And he did so again in Turkey's premiere win, 3–1, against Georgia. The midfielder scored a fantastic goal, and after his fine performance, he was widely praised by the entire football world. Can this championship be Güler's big breakthrough?
+ Victory means advancement
Three points for Portugal or Turkey would essentially secure a spot in the next round. So, expect a fierce battle between two teams that will give their all to win – both Portugal and Turkey are teams that can swing either way, so this could be a thrilling match.
What: Belgium-Romania, group E.
When: Saturday 22 June, 21.00.
Where: Rhein Energie Stadion, Cologne
TV/Radio: TV4/TV4 Play/P4 Radiosporten.
+ Lukaku doesn't like VAR
Belgium suffered a major setback in their first match in the European Championship, when they lost 0–1 to Slovakia. The Belgian players agreed that their performance wasn't the best, but the fact is that striker Romelu Lukaku had two balls in the net. Both goals were, however, ruled out after VAR review.
The two disallowed goals were on the borderline, said midfielder Kevin De Bruyne to Sporza.
Aside from the two disallowed goals, Lukaku had several chances, which he missed, and the 31-year-old has faced scathing criticism after the match against Slovakia. The question is whether he'll get another chance to start.
+ Happiest day in a long time
Romania started their European Championship campaign in the best possible way. In their premiere against Ukraine, they won 3–0, albeit the Ukrainian goalkeeper Andrij Lunin didn't have his best day at the office – the win is Romania's biggest ever in a major championship.
This is the happiest day since my daughters were born, said 1–0 goal scorer Nicolae Stanciu to Sport.
+ Crowd pressure
The Romanian fans created a magical atmosphere in the match against Ukraine and will likely do so again against Belgium. The supporters' songs give the Romanian players extra energy, Stanciu told Sport.
I and my teammates want to thank all the supporters. What I felt during the national anthem is indescribable, he said.
