Portugal secured their place in the last 16 of Euro 2024 as group winners with a comfortable victory over Turkey in Dortmund.
Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva opened the scoring midway through the first half, striking past goalkeeper Altay Bayindir after Nuno Mendes’ cross was deflected into his path.
A calamitous own goal from Turkey’s Samet Akaydin doubled Portugal’s lead, as the defender passed back to Bayindir without looking, resulting in the ball rolling into the net.
Portugal extended their lead when Cristiano Ronaldo set up Bruno Fernandes for a simple tap-in.
The win means Portugal will face Group F opponents Georgia next, with their place in the knockout stages already secured. Turkey, on the other hand, can still qualify when they face the Czech Republic.
Portugal’s performance was praised by manager Roberto Martinez, who highlighted the team’s preparation and level of play.
“We played at the same level as we did against the Czechs. We scored first and that changed what Turkey could do. We can face the third game with many players deserving to be in the starting XI,” Martinez said.
Martinez also commended Ronaldo for his unselfish play, noting that the forward’s assist to Fernandes exemplified the team’s ethos.
“I saw today something that is spectacular, to have Ronaldo, who is an out-and-out goalscorer, looking for the assist. It is an example that should be shown in every academy in Portugal,” Martinez added.
Despite the loss, Turkey’s Vincenzo Montella remained optimistic about his team’s chances, highlighting their performance against one of Europe’s best teams.
“I think we played equal with one of the best teams in Europe. They were much more clinical and that made the difference,” Montella said.
The match was marred by pitch invasions, with several individuals attempting to take pictures with Ronaldo, leading to frustration from the Portugal captain.
Portugal’s convincing win reaffirms their status as contenders in the tournament, with fans hopeful of a successful campaign in Germany.