Putting in what was a dominant performance in rural Germany on Saturday evening, Portugal cruised their way to a EURO 24 knockout stage ticket thanks to a 3-0 romp against Turkey.
Not really having to get out of third gear in Dortmund, Roberto Martinez’s men opened the scoring midway through the first-half as Manchester City ace Bernardo Silva produced a first time finish.
Tipped as a potential European dark horse this summer, the 2016 champions doubled their lead just seven minutes later thanks to a calamitous own goal when defender Samet Akaydin did not look up before passing it back to Bayindir, who could not prevent the ball from rolling into his own net.
With Turkey always facing a monumental challenge this weekend, the Crescent Stars failed to find any kind of fluidity on either side of the half-time interval.
Portugal eventually stormed their way to a knockout stage spot when Cristiano Ronaldo unselfishly teed up Bruno Fernandes for a tap-in to make it 3-0 before an hour was played.
In a showdown that was largely one-way traffic in Dortmund, we have taken a look at the main talking points.
Portugal make a major statement of intent
Embarking on what was a remarkable EURO 24 qualifying romp last year as they won all of their 10 group stage appearances by an aggregate score of 36-2, Portugal have continued to shine under the guidance of Martinez.
Although the likes of England and now-former world champions France might have been pencilled in as a the standout pre-tournament contenders this summer, the Navigators have continued to receive a string of plaudits from across the continent.
Mounting a dramatic late comeback against the Czech Republic last week as they eventually snatched a 2-1 victory, Portugal should have their sights firmly set on mounting a genuine late charge this summer.
Winning both of their opening two EURO 24 appearances this season and gaining a reputation for their free-flowing approach under the former Belgium boss, Martinez’s men will simply be looking to keep up their recent flurry when they meet Group F opponents Georgia on Wednesday.
Already wrapping up their knockout stage ticket and with the mood in their camp at a real high, Portugal’s all-star attack shouldn’t be overlooked over the next few weeks.
Silva dazzles in Dortmund
While five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo might have once again stolen most of Portugal’s headlines heading into Saturday’s showdown in Dortmund, the ex-Real Madrid icon is still waiting to open up his EURO 24 account.
With Martinez boasting a string of Europe’s hottest attacking superstars, it was Silva who was at the heart of everything positive that Portugal produced this weekend.
Opening the scoring with a first time finish midway through the first-half, it is no secret that Silva has a leading role to play in the Navigators’ charge to get their hands on a third European crown this summer.
Helping Premier League giants Manchester City claim a record-breaking fourth consecutive domestic crown last season, the former Monaco starlet has continued to shine on the major tournament stage over the past fortnight.
An evening to forget for Turkey
While Turkey might have opened their EURO 24 campaign with a hard-fought 3-1 victory against major tournament debutants Georgia earlier in the week, Vincenzo Montella’s men came crashing back down to earth here.
Although the Crescent Stars might have arrived in Dortmund with their sights set on springing an almighty upset, the former Sevilla boss has found plenty of pressure on his shoulders.
Completely blown away in rural Germany and failing to find any kind of fluidity, Turkey now have a real battle on their hands in the race to secure a routine out of Group F.
Signing off their pre-tournament preparations with a 2-1 loss at the hands of Poland, Montella’s camp have recorded just a single victory from any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions.
Showing some extended defensive issues, Turkey face what is a summer-defining showdown when they meet the Czech Republic on Wednesday night for their final Group F showdown.
Match Report
Turkey: Bayındır, Kadıoğlu, Bardakcı, Akaydin, Celik, Ayhan, Calhanoğlu, Aktürkoğlu, Kokcu, Akgün, Yilmaz
Subs: Guler, Yazıcı, Yüksek, Demiral
Portugal: Costa, Mendes, Pepe, Dias, Cancelo, Palhinha, Vitinha, Leao, Fernandes, B. Silva, Ronaldo
Subs: Semedo, A. Silva, J. Neves, Neto, R. Neves
Goals: B. Silva (21’), Akaydin OG (28’), Fernandes (55’)
Yellow Cards: Turkey: Bardakcı, Celik, Akaydin – Portugal: Palhinha, Leao
Red Cards: N/A
Referee: Felix Zwayer
