Extra security as Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal face Georgia
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A young pitch invader taking a selfie with Cristiano Ronaldo during Portugal's match against Turkey on June 22.
PHOTO: REUTERS
GELSENKIRCHEN – All eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo in the Euro 2024 match against Georgia on June 26, after selfie-hunting pitch invaders in Portugal’s last game forced Uefa to introduce stricter security measures.
The 3-0 victory over Turkey was marred by at least six fans invading the pitch, desperate to get photos with Ronaldo during and after the game in Dortmund on June 22.
The distractions did not affect Portugal, however, as they secured qualification for the last 16 as Group F winners, while Georgia need a win to reach the knockout stages.
The Portuguese are top on six points, Turkey have three, and the Czech Republic and Georgia have a point each.
European football’s governing body has said that “safety and security in the stadium, on the pitch and at team facilities are the ultimate priority for Uefa, DFB (German Football Association) and Euro 2024”.
It added: “Additional safety measures will be deployed in the stadiums to further meet the requirements of the tournament, and to prevent such incidents. For reasons of security, we cannot comment further on specific measures.
“But any incursion onto the pitch constitutes a breach of the stadium rules and will result in expulsion from the stadium, a ban from all tournament matches and the filing of a formal criminal complaint for trespass.”
Though the invaders seemed to want just a photo, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez warned: “It’s a concern... and we were lucky that the intentions of the fans were good.
“I think we all love a fan that recognises that big star and the big icons... but you can understand that there is a very, very difficult moment if those intentions are wrong.”
It is still unclear if Ronaldo will play against Georgia, as Martinez suggested he would rotate his squad.
However, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is never keen on taking breaks, as he is obsessed with breaking and extending his records – which include the most goals, appearances and assists in Euro history.
At 39, Ronaldo would become the oldest player to score in a European Championship if he nets at Euro 2024.
Willy Sagnol’s Georgia, meanwhile, have a mountain to climb against the Portuguese after a 3-1 defeat by Turkey and a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic.
They still could finish second and qualify for the last 16 if they beat Portugal and have a better goal difference than the Czechs, should they beat Turkey, but would be eliminated if they lose or draw and the Czechs avoid defeat.
Turkey’s talented team, however, are in a strong position to finish as runners-up, if they just can avoid defeat by the Czech Republic.
After his stunning goal in the opening win over Georgia, 19-year-old attacker Arda Guler was used late off the bench in the loss to Portugal as coach Vincenzo Montella prioritised keeping him fit.
But fans want to see the young Real Madrid star charging at the Czechs from the start.
“He is our future, we are all here to see him play,” said Kerem Buruk, an engineer who lives in Hamburg.
The Czech Republic will be hampered by the absence of injured striker Patrik Schick. REUTERS
