Portugal booked their spot in the knockout stages of the UEFA European Championship after a resounding 3-0 win over Turkey on Saturday evening.
EURO 2024
Result: Turkey 0-3 Portugal
Date: 22 June 2024
Venue: BVB Stadion Dortmund
Cristiano Ronaldo made his 27th appearance for the Selecao at the Euros, as he spearheaded the attack alongside Rafael Leao and Bernardo Silva.
The game got off to a lively start, with both sides finding chances early on but not yet clinical.
However, Portugal eventually started to stamp their mark on the game as midway into the first stanza Bernardo Silva broke the deadlock with a clinical finish on the edge of the box.
As the game opened towards the half-hour mark, Turkiye shot themselves in the foot after Samet Akaydin's back pass wrong-footed goalkeeper Altay Bayindir and just about crossed the line.
The Crescent-Stars had a mountain to climb and were chasing the Selecao towards the end of the first stanza as they went to the break 2-0 down.
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Vincenzo Montella made an attacking change as Yusuf Yazici replaced Orkun Kokcu up top.
Although Turkiye played largely on counter-attacks, eight minutes into the second stanza Yazici almost reduced the deficit with a dangerous shot that bounced awkwardly in front of shot-stopper Diogo Costa, who kept it out.
However, Portugal eventually put the game out of sight towards the hour-mark after Ronaldo beat the offside trap through on goal and gave Bruno Fernandes an easy tap-in with a square pass.
With their nerves settled, Ronaldo had a chance to get on the scoresheet for Roberto Martinez's charges in the last 22 minutes after a cross by Bernardo Silva but he guided his header wide.
The game became a slog for both sides, although Portugal looked threatening on counter-attacks but they took their foot off the pedal as they had already done enough.
The Selecao booked their spot in the round of 16 with a game to spare in Group F while Turkey remained in second spot, three points behind Martinez's men.
