Portugal were flawless against Turkey at the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund and they displayed their superiority over their opposition emphatically.
The Selecao were utterly sublime, although there were some miscommunications across stages in the final third.
Ultimately, they secured a comprehensive victory thanks to goals from Bernardo Silva, an own goal from Samet Akaydin, and a tap-in from Bruno Fernandes.
In the 8th minute, Cristiano Ronaldo could have put Portugal ahead, as he outleaped the Turkish defense from a standing jump.
However, he was unable to direct his effort on target from the edge of the box, and his attempt sailed over the bar.
In the 21st minute, Portugal scored the opener after Rafael Leao fed the ball to Nuno Mendes on the left, with the latter sending a dangerous ball into the area.
The ball appeared in front of Cristiano Ronaldo but he was out of position to send it home, leaving the ball rolling to Bernardo Silva, who expertly finished the opportunity.
Seven minutes later, following an unfortunate mix-up in defense, leading to an own goal scored by Samet Akaydin, after Joao Cancelo had ventured forward and was looking to send a through ball to Ronaldo.
Big Chance For Turkey To Score Against Portugal
In the 32nd minute, Turkey could have halved the deficit through Kerem Akturkoglu, who drifted in between two players from the right side of Portugal’s defense before smashing a shot at goal.
However, Diogo Costa was on hand and he put in a big save to deny Vincenzo Montella’s side.
Portugal had other delightful opportunities to increase their lead, but they couldn’t convert the opportunities that came their way.
Both teams went into the break with differing emotions, as Roberto Martinez’s side were delighted by their display in the opening half, while Turkey definitely went in to face some really tough words from their gaffer.
It appears the boss of the Selecao was cautious in the second period, as he withdrew Rafael Leao and Joao Palhinha for Pedro Neto and Ruben Neves.
Leao will miss Portugal’s final group game against Georgia after being booked in the two matches he has featured for the national team at Euro 2024.
Turkey also made one change after the restart, with Yusuf Yazici coming on for Orkun Kokcu.
In the 53rd minute, substitute Yusuf took an ambitious effort from outside the box, however, his strike bounce in front of Diogo Costa, leaving the Portuguese goalie to make a pretty comfortable save.
Cristiano Ronaldo Unselfishly Served A Golden Opportunity To Bruno Fernandes For Portugal’s Third
Two minutes later, Portugal secured the third through Bruno Fernandes, after Cristiano Ronaldo unselfishly squared the ball to the midfielder, who had ample time to tap the ball into the back of the net.
Five minutes before the hour mark, Vincenzo Montella introduced Ismail Yuksek for Turkey, while Kenan Yildiz also replaced Kerem Akturkoglu.
In the 66th minute, Bernardo Silva delivered a fabulous cross to Cristiano Ronaldo, but the 39-year-old couldn’t guide his header at goal, as the ball sailed to a different direction.
Four minutes later, Nelson Semedo came on in place of Joao Cancelo for Portugal, while Arda Guler entered the fray for Turkey, replacing Yunus Akgun.
Samet Akaydin, who netted the own goal also limped off and he was substituted for former Juventus defender Merih Demiral.
Turkey showed some intent late on, but they were often caught on the brake by Portugal, who pretty much toyed with them.
Seven minutes to the end of regulation time, veteran defender Pepe, who had an excellent evening in Dortmund was substituted out, with Antonio Silva coming on in his stead.
Joao Neves also came on for Vitinha, as Portugal showed that they were a class apart from Turkey.
They have secured qualification for the knockout phase, having won their first group stage matches.
Roberto Martinez’s side will be hoping to end the tournament on a high by defeating Georgia in their final group game on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.
Portugal have amassed 6 points thus far, with a healthy goal difference of +4, compared to Turkey, who sit 2nd in the group with 3 points and a goal difference of -1.
Turkey face Czech Republic in their final group affair and they will need at least a draw to secure qualification to the knockout phase.
