Portugal advanced to the last 16 of Euro 2024 as Group F winners with a dominant 3-0 win over struggling Turkey at BVB Stadium Dortmund.
MAN OF THE MATCH: PEPE (PORTUGAL)
41 is the new 31 for centre-backs when you look at the organization, reading of the game and timing of the match that the Porto centre-back brings to the game. An outstanding performance from defender Roberto Martinez’s side which drew a standing ovation for the former Real Madrid player from the large Turkish support. It was deserved as he was later replaced by Antonio Silva.
PLAYER RATINGS
Turkey: Baiindir 6, Çelik 5, Akaidin 5, Bardakci 5, Kadioglu 5, Calhanoglu 5, Aihan 5, Kokcu 5, Akturkoglu 5, Akgun 5, Iilmaz 5 Substitutes: Demiral 6, Iazici 6, Iuksek 6, Iildiz 5
Portugal: Diogo Costa 7, Diaz 7, Pepe 9, Mendes 8, Palinha 7, Vitinha 7, Fernandes 8, Cancelo 8, Bernardo Silva 9, Ronaldo 8, Leao 7 Subs: Antonio Silva 7, Semedo 7, Ruben Neves 7, Joao Neves 7, Neto 7
THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF THE MATCH
7′ GLORIOUS CHANCE FOR TURKEY TO TAKE THE LEAD Well, that they didn’t score in that attack is a small miracle as Kerem Akturkoglu gets in at the back post but somehow can’t connect from four yards. He slipped at the crucial moment from Yunus Akgun’s cross. Portugal are lucky to survive it as they hack the ball frantically.
21′ GOAL! (SILVA) PORTUGAL 1-0 TURKEY A beautiful finish from Bernardo Silva who hammered a deflected cross into the net from 10 yards after the ball broke through to him through the run and pass of Nuno Mendes. Nice opening game and Leao. Portugal has the advantage.
28′ GOAL! (AKAIDI OG) PORTUGAL 2-0 TURKEY Disaster for Turkey as they handed Portugal a second goal on a plate. Samet Akaidin doesn’t run and slips the ball past his keeper when Baiindir comes out. I can’t get back in time to save the day and the ball is over the line. It’s a terrible moment. 2-0 for Portugal.
56′ GOAL! (FERNANDES) PORTUGAL 3-0 TURKEY And it’s game, set and match for sure, as Turkey’s defense is broken by a hopeful ball from the back and Ronaldo, well on the sideline, easily beats Bruno Fernandes to slot the ball into the net. Turkey plays everywhere with Portugal on the sidelines. More horrible moments.
72′ NETO Tries to find RONALDO Ronaldo has just posed for a quick selfie with a young fan who bursts onto the pitch but runs away from several guards. Neto tries to pick out the great man with the cross, but Bardakci works to clear.