Portugal swept into the last 16 of Euro 2024 on Saturday after comfortably seeing off Turkey 3-0 and guaranteeing first place in Group F.
Bernardo Silva’s fine finish in the 21st minute, a comical Samet Akaydin own goal shortly afterwards, and Bruno Fernandes’s second-half tap-in gave Portugal a straightforward win in front of swathes of passionate Turkish fans in Dortmund.
Portugal looked every inch a team aiming to win their second European Championship after triumphing in 2016, their star-studded line-up easily dealing with Vincenzo Montella’s enthusiastic but limited Turkey team.
Cristiano Ronaldo will have at least two more tries to become the oldest goalscorer at a European Championship as Martinez said on Friday that the 39-year-old is in the right shape to play every four days.
It was Ronaldo who unselfishly set up Fernandes for a simple goal in the 56th minute after springing through Turkey’s offside trap, and he then had time to pose for a selfie with a child fan who invaded the pitch midway through the second half.
Martinez’s side, on a perfect six points, will face one of the four best third-place finishers in the next round and go into their final group game against Georgia without any pressure for a result.
The same cannot be said for Turkey who need a draw against the Czech Republic on Wednesday to ensure second place.
Pitch invaders
Turkey’s passionate support again flocked to the Westfalenstadion in huge numbers, with long tailbacks on the roads leading to the ground several hours before the 6:00 pm (1600 GMT) kick-off. Some fans sat on the top of cars leading chants among the thousands of supporters who crawled towards their destination.
Once inside what was effectively a home crowd let out a deafening chorus of whistles and jeers when Portugal jogged out for their pre-match warm-up. However, once the match got underway there was a clear gap in class between the two sides and Portugal went deservedly ahead through Silva as the Manchester City midfielder confidently smashed in Nuno Mendes’s deflected low cross.
Soon after, Akaydin gifted Portugal a two-goal lead with his sloppy backpass which turned into an own goal as Zeki Celik and goalkeeper Altay Bayindir tried in vain to prevent the ball crossing the line.
Those two goals and the dominance of the Portuguese players quietened down the partisan crowd and the result was sealed when Fernandes stroked home his former Manchester United teammate Ronaldo’s present of a pass.
The Portugal fans then turned up the volume to celebrate their country reaching the last 16. And cheers then rang around the ground from both sets of supporters as a pint-sized fan ran onto the pitch midway through the second half, just as the game was stopped to allow Nelson Semedo to replace Joao Cancelo for Portugal. The youngster was cool enough to grab an amused Ronaldo for a photo and then dashed off on a mazy run his hero would have been proud of, dropping his shoulder on security staff before eventually being carted away from the pitch.
Ronaldo was less amused when five much larger fans then made copycat bids for selfies, only to be showered with boos and refused a photo before annoyed stewards reached them.
Match Analysis
Portugal’s performance was a masterclass in control and efficiency. From the first whistle, they dominated possession and dictated the pace of the game. Their midfield, led by the ever-reliable Bernardo Silva, orchestrated play with precision, ensuring that Turkey had little opportunity to mount any serious threat. Silva’s goal in the 21st minute was a testament to his skill and composure, as he calmly slotted the ball past the Turkish goalkeeper after a well-worked team move.
The own goal by Samet Akaydin was a moment of misfortune for Turkey, but it highlighted the pressure that Portugal’s relentless attacking play was putting on their defense. Akaydin’s backpass, intended for his goalkeeper, was poorly executed and ended up in the back of the net, much to the dismay of the Turkish fans.
Bruno Fernandes’s goal in the second half was the final nail in the coffin for Turkey. Ronaldo’s unselfish play, setting up Fernandes for a simple tap-in, demonstrated the team’s unity and willingness to work for each other. Fernandes’s finish was clinical, and it was clear that Portugal were in complete control of the match.
Tactical Mastery
Portugal’s tactical approach was spot on. They pressed high up the pitch, forcing Turkey into making mistakes and capitalizing on them. Their defensive organization was impeccable, with the backline holding firm and denying Turkey any clear-cut chances. The midfield trio of Silva, Fernandes, and William Carvalho provided a perfect balance of creativity and defensive solidity, ensuring that Portugal were always in control of the game.
Cristiano Ronaldo, despite not getting on the scoresheet, played a crucial role in the team’s success. His movement off the ball, ability to draw defenders out of position, and his leadership on the pitch were invaluable. Ronaldo’s experience and presence were a constant source of inspiration for his teammates, and his assist for Fernandes’s goal was a prime example of his selflessness and team-first mentality.
Looking Ahead
With their place in the last 16 secured, Portugal can now look forward to the knockout stages with confidence. Their final group game against Georgia will be an opportunity to rest key players and give some of the squad’s fringe players a chance to impress. Martinez will be keen to maintain the team’s momentum and ensure that they go into the knockout stages in peak condition.
For Turkey, the road ahead is more challenging. They must secure at least a draw against the Czech Republic to have any hope of progressing to the next round. Their performance against Portugal exposed some weaknesses, particularly in defense, that they will need to address if they are to have any chance of advancing.
Fan Experience
The atmosphere at the Westfalenstadion was electric, with both sets of fans creating a vibrant and passionate environment. The Turkish fans, in particular, were in full voice, creating a wall of noise that echoed around the stadium. Despite the result, their support never wavered, and they continued to cheer their team on until the final whistle.
The pitch invaders added an unexpected twist to the match, with the young fan’s interaction with Ronaldo providing a moment of levity and joy. The subsequent attempts by other fans to get selfies with the Portuguese star were less well-received, but they highlighted the adoration and admiration that Ronaldo commands from fans around the world.
Conclusion
Portugal’s 3-0 victory over Turkey was a statement of intent. They showed that they are serious contenders for the Euro 2024 title, with a performance that combined skill, tactical acumen, and team unity. As they move into the knockout stages, they will be a team to watch, with the potential to go all the way and lift the trophy once again.
Turkey, on the other hand, will need to regroup and refocus if they are to progress. Their passionate fanbase will be behind them every step of the way, but they will need to improve their defensive solidity and find a way to unlock their attacking potential if they are to have any chance of success.
The journey to Euro 2024’s final stages is heating up, and with performances like this, Portugal have shown that they are ready for the challenges that lie ahead.
