Portugal secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Turkey, with goals from Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes leading the charge. Adding to Turkey’s woes, an own goal by Samet Akaydin highlighted their unfortunate night. Meanwhile, Portugal’s coach Robert Martinez expressed concern over pitch invaders targeting Cristiano Ronaldo.
Analysis
When Cristiano Ronaldo was dropped from the Portugal team during the 2022 World Cup, and his replacement Goncalo Ramos scored a hat-trick, it seemed like the legendary forward’s international career might be over. At that time, he was already on his way to Saudi Arabia.
However, Portugal’s new coach Robert Martinez envisioned a role for Ronaldo in his revamped squad, and the 39-year-old icon has risen to the occasion. Scoring ten goals in the qualifying rounds proved he still has what it takes. Although he hasn’t scored yet at Euro 2024, it’s only because he opted to pass to Bruno Fernandes instead. This unselfish play marked his seventh assist in European Championship matches, the most by any player since records began in 1968.
Ronaldo is often viewed as a solo performer, sometimes displaying frustration when the ball doesn’t come his way. However, with the right talent and movement around him, he thrives. With Rafael Leao and Pedro Neto providing pace on the flanks, and Fernandes and Bernardo Silva offering creativity, Ronaldo fits seamlessly into the team. Portugal also boasts energy and class in their deep midfield positions, showcasing impressive depth.
Twenty years after his first appearance at the Euros, when Portugal suffered a near miss against Greece on home soil, and eight years after their triumph in France, which saw Ronaldo sidelined by injury, another special moment could be on the horizon.
Player of the Match: Pepe (Portugal)
At 41 years old, Pepe is proving that age is just a number for central defenders. His organizational skills, game reading, and impeccable timing in tackles were on full display in Portugal’s match against Turkey. The Porto defender delivered an outstanding performance at the back, earning a standing ovation from the sizable Turkish support when he was substituted late in the game for Antonio Silva. This recognition was well-deserved, highlighting Pepe’s enduring quality and leadership on the field for Roberto Martinez’s side.
PLAYER RATINGS
Turkey: Bayindir 6, Celik 5, Akaydin 5, Bardakci 5, Kadioglu 5, Calhanoglu 5, Ayhan 5, Kokcu 5, Akturkoglu 5, Akgun 5, Yilmaz 5 Subs: Demiral 6, Yazici 6, Yüksek 6, Yildiz 6, Güler 5
Portugal: Diogo Costa 7, Diaz 7, Pepe 9, Mendes 8, Palhinha 7, Vitinha 7, Fernandes 8, Cancelo 8, Bernardo Silva 9, Ronaldo 8, Leao 7 Subs: Antonio Silva 7, Semedo 7, Rúben Neves 7, João Neves 7, Neto 7
Key stats
- Portugal are through to the EURO knockout stages for the ninth time, preserving their perfect record in advancing from the group stage.
- Ronaldo has scored a world record 130 international goals, but he has never registered in four meetings with Türkiye.
- Portugal have won all 12 matches in which Bernardo Silva has scored.
- Pepe, 41 years and 117 days old, extended his record as the oldest player to play at a EURO.
- Samet Akaydin is the 26th player to score an own goal at a EURO, and the sixth at this tournament.
- Portugal have won all four of their EURO meetings with Türkiye without conceding a goal.
- Portugal have started a EURO group with two wins for only the third time, after 2000 and 2008.
- Portugal have won 15 of their last 17 matches, losing the others.