Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
One of the clashes of the second round of the Euro 2025 U-21 group stage will take place on Saturday in Žilina, where France will face Georgia. I’m offering a bet on goals in this encounter with a solid odds value.
Match preview
The French youth team is traditionally regarded as one of the tournament’s main favourites, and the current squad only reinforces that status. Despite an opening draw against Portugal (0-0), Gérald Baticle’s side looked organised and confident, dictating the tempo and creating chances. France boasts a strong roster with players experienced in Europe’s top leagues, making them a formidable force in the group.
The attitude towards the Georgia match will be extremely focused, as dropping points could threaten their path to the playoffs. With squad depth, high tempo, and tactical flexibility, the French are certain to dominate proceedings. Their main task is to convert their chances and avoid complacency against an obviously weaker opponent.
For Georgia, simply reaching the U21 Euro finals is already an achievement, and the win over Poland in the opening round was a true sensation. Vasilios Gordetsiani’s goal in the 90+4th minute gave Ramaz Svanadze’s team all three points and the group lead. Despite their underdog status, the Georgians showed resilience and discipline, especially in defence and transitions from defence to attack.
Against France, Georgia will most likely focus on defending and counter-attacking, looking to capitalise on rare opportunities near the opposition’s goal. However, the difference in class and experience could prove decisive. The French pressure will be relentless, and the Georgian defence faces a real test.
Probable line-ups
- France U21: Jöres Reste, Kilian Sildillia, Chrislain Matsima, Castello Lukeba, Quentin Merlin, Angelo Diouf, Johann Lepenant, Ibrahima Doucouré, Mathys Tel, Matthis Abline, Wilson Odobert
- Georgia U21: Giorgi Kvernadze, Giorgi Abuashvili, Luka Odisharia, Lasha Gagnidze, Niko Lominadze, Giorgi Sigua, Irakli Azarov, Saba Khvadagiani, Sandro Sazonov, Gabriel Maisuradze, Luka Kharatishvili
Match facts and head-to-head
- France have won all three previous U21 encounters with Georgia.
- In Euro 2025 qualifying, France scored 22 goals and conceded only 6 in 8 matches.
- The “Over 2.5 goals” bet landed in two of the three matches.
Prediction
France look like clear favourites, both on paper and on the pitch. After the draw with Portugal, the team will be highly motivated to secure three points and approach the final round with confidence. Georgia, despite their spirited win in the opener, are unlikely to withstand the pressure from one of the most organised and talented teams in the tournament. Our bet: “France to win with a -1.5 handicap” at odds of 1.85.
