Watch Turkey vs Portugal full match replay and highlights.
KICK-OFF at 16:00 (GMT) on 22nd June 2024
The referee for this match is F. Zwayer
Game played at BVB Stadion Dortmund
This is a match in Europe – UEFA European Championship, Group F, Season 2024
Portugal 3-0 Turkey: Secure Knockout Stage Qualification at Euro 2024
Portugal advanced to the knockout stages of UEFA Euro 2024 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Turkey in Dortmund, marking their fourth consecutive win over Turkey in the Euros without conceding a goal. This result also secures Portugal’s place in the next round with a game to spare, while Turkey faces a crucial match against Czechia for their progression hopes.
First Half: Early Dominance and Comical Own Goal
Portugal set the tone early with Cristiano Ronaldo testing Turkey’s goalkeeper Altay Bayındır in the opening minute, catching a Bernardo Silva cross on the volley. Turkey had an opportunity to respond through Kerem Aktürkoğlu, but he failed to convert Zeki Çelik’s cross from close range.
Portugal capitalized on their dominance midway through the first half. Rafael Leão and Nuno Mendes combined effectively down the left flank, leading to Mendes’ low cross that deflected into Bernardo Silva’s path, who calmly finished to put Portugal 1-0 up.
Just seven minutes later, a comical own goal doubled Portugal’s lead. João Cancelo’s poor pass was intercepted by Samet Akaydin, whose backpass missed goalkeeper Bayındır entirely, rolling into the net despite Çelik’s desperate attempt to clear.
Second Half: Sealing the Victory
Turkey tried to respond through Aktürkoğlu, but Diogo Costa made a smart save at his near post. Portugal remained in control, and ten minutes into the second half, they added a third goal. A disorganized Turkish defense played Ronaldo onside, allowing him to run freely towards goal. Instead of taking the shot, Ronaldo unselfishly squared the ball to Bruno Fernandes, who tapped it into an empty net.
Despite the introduction of Turkish sensation Arda Güler, Turkey could not find a way back into the game. Portugal, content with their lead, sat back and thwarted any Turkish attempts, ensuring a comfortable finish to the match.
Key Highlights
- Early Pressure: Portugal started strong, testing Turkey’s defense within the first minute.
- Bernardo Silva’s Opener: A well-executed move down the left flank resulted in Silva’s calm finish to open the scoring.
- Comical Own Goal: A miscommunication in Turkey’s defense led to a bizarre own goal, doubling Portugal’s lead.
- Fernandes’ Tap-In: Ronaldo’s unselfish play set up Fernandes for an easy third goal.
- Solid Defense: Portugal maintained their defensive solidity, preventing any significant Turkish threat.
Implications
- Portugal: Secured their place in the knockout stages with a game to spare. Their unbeaten run against teams ranked outside the top 20 in the Euros continues since their loss in the 2004 final.
- Turkey: Must secure at least a draw against Czechia in their final group match to advance to the knockout stages for the first time in 16 years.
This comprehensive win highlights Portugal’s strength and readiness as they progress in the tournament, while Turkey faces a do-or-die situation in their next match.