The Group Stage of the UEFA EURO 2024 has been concluded, and the teams remaining in the competition are now ready to face their opponents in the knock-out rounds of the tournament.
Several Barcelona players and reported targets played key roles for their teams in this first round, with the likes of Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Pedri, Lewandowski, Kounde, Nico Williams, and Dani Olmo all shining for their respective sides.
However, one key target for Barcelona next season to strengthen the left wing, Portuguese forward Joao Felix, is having a rather forgettable competition. He did not play in the first two group stage matches but played the entire 90 minutes in the last match against Georgia.
This was an opportunity for Felix to regain the confidence of his international manager, Roberto Martinez, but as SPORT has noted, the forward was unable to take any advantage.
Currently, Felix is behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao, and Diogo Jota in the pecking order for the left-wing position. With such stellar options in the attack, it is clearly challenging for the 24-year-old forward, who played for FC Barcelona last season on loan, to break into the lineup given his current form.
Georgia, a side that does not have the most formidable team and whose defense could have allowed the likes of Felix to regain some form, not only held off a much superior Portugal side but also emerged as winners with a 2-0 scoreline. Another winger previously linked with Barcelona, Kvaratskhelia, was key to his national team’s victory.
Meanwhile, Felix himself cannot complain about a dearth of chances in this match. He tried several shots from dangerous areas, but the Georgian goalkeeper, Mamardashvili, and the Georgian defense were up to the task of keeping the ball out of the net.
Portugal have already advanced to the Round of 16, and this defeat will not mean much to their overall campaign. However, for Felix, this was a missed opportunity to regain the confidence of his international manager and recover his demand in the market before the upcoming summer transfer window, which he is unlikely to get again.
