Euro 2024: Ronaldo’s Portugal defeats Turkey to reach round of 16

Portugal defeated Turkey in Dortmund with ease, securing their spot in the round of 16 as group champions at Euro 2024.

Midway through the first half, Bernardo Silva of Manchester City opened the score, putting the opening effort past custodian Altay Bayindir after a deflected cross from Nuno Mendes on the left found his path.

A calamitous own goal doubled Portugal’s lead when defender Samet Akaydin failed to look up before passing it back to Bayindir, who could not prevent the ball from rolling into his own net.

That dampened the exuberant Turkish support, which had begun with hundreds of fans marching to the stadium from the city centre, draped in flags.

Portugal’s support was equally impressive, if fewer in number, and they celebrated as their side played with fluidity and composure.

Their team sealed the win when Cristiano Ronaldo unselfishly teed up Bruno Fernandes for a tap-in to make it 3-0 before an hour was played.

The 2016 champions will take on Group F opponents Georgia on Wednesday knowing their job is complete in the group stages, while Turkey can still qualify when they travel to Hamburg to face the Czech Republic.

“I think we played at the same level as we did against the Czechs and that’s very important. We scored first and that changed what Turkey could do,” said Portugal boss Roberto Martinez.

“We can face the third game with many players in the dressing room deserving to be in the starting XI. We should give them a chance to prove how competitive this squad can be.”

(BBC)