The UEFA Euro 2024 group stage show is slowly coming to an end. Closing the bracket phase of the tournament would be Group F, where Portugal will be facing Georgia and Turkey will be locking horns against Czechia. Yet, all eyes are on Roberto Martinez-led Os Navegadores, who are keen to end its group stage with a perfect record. With the excitement palpable among the fans, the burning question remains: will Cristiano Ronaldo start against Georgia?

There is simply no reason for the Portuguese skipper to not start the game. Even though there has been an air of criticism surrounding the 39-year-old, Roberto Martinez won’t think of making the biggest change of all. Hence, Cristiano Ronaldo will definitely start against Georgia. The Al Nassr star is expected to help his side finish Group F with yet another victory. But on the other hand, some surprising calls can be made as well.  

There is also a strong possibility for Ronaldo to start the match from the bench. Remarkably, Portugal has managed to book its place in the round of 16 with their decent victories over the Czech Republic and Turkey. Given that a win, loss, or draw won’t significantly affect their place in the next stage of the competition, Martinez may think of starting his B team instead. A few big names may be given a break in this one and Ronaldo can be one of them.

Joining him can be the likes of Bernardo Silva or Bruno Fernandes, with talents like Francisco Conceicao, Joao Felix, Joao Neves, and Goncalo Ramos being given a chance to make their case in the knockout stages. Regardless, the final call remains in the hands of Martinez. If Ronaldo gets started, he is anticipated to do one major thing.

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to end his goal drought against Georgia

Portugal may be impressing in all aspects, but it’s their star skipper who has yet to make a strong case for himself. In the two matches so far, Cristiano Ronaldo has still not found his name on the scoresheet. Instead of the Real Madrid icon, it’s the likes of Francisco Conceicao, Bernardo Silva, and Bruno Fernandes who are finding the back of the net. No wonder CR7 has become a subject of criticism.

Many are in favor of seeing the veteran start on the bench rather than in the starting lineup. His lack of goals and failure to capitalize on simple goal-scoring chances have left many agitated. Though he has been offered a respite from this backlash, it won’t stand for much longer. Hence, the final group stage fixture is the game where Ronaldo is expected to step up and showcase his goal-scoring prowess.