New Delhi: Bernardo Silva’s maiden goal at any major tournament, a horrible own goal from Samet Akaydin and a direct shot by Bruno Fernandes helped Portugal to secure a comfortable 3-0 victory over Turkey on Saturday to guarantee themselves a qualification in the round of 16 in the ongoing Euro 2024 as Group F winners. Portugal have one more match to play in the group.
Ronaldo was the center of attention as always at Westfalenstadion but not how he might have expected. There was chaos as three fans got on the field at different times in the second half and attempted selfies with Ronaldo. He accepted the first but looked unhappy at the other two.
Another phone-waving supporter, wearing a Portugal jersey, got to Ronaldo moments after the final whistle and security had to hold back another person attempting to confront one of the most famous sports stars in the world as he walked off the field with his teammates.
Silva provided Portugal the lead in the 21st minute, rifling home after Nuno Mendes’ cross deflected perfectly into his path. Just seven minutes later, Akaydin’s miscalculated back pass slipped past the onrushing goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, sealing the dramatic sequence.
Fernandes effectively ended the contest after 56 minutes when Ronaldo, on the verge of becoming the oldest goalscorer in European Championship history, selflessly set up his former Manchester United teammate for an easy tap-in. The loss for Turkey meant they must avoid defeat against the Czech Republic on Wednesday to ensure a spot in the knockout rounds.
Portugal started sharply, unfazed by the deafening whistles from Turkey’s supporters, with Ronaldo drawing an easy save from Bayindir within the first two minutes. Turkey, having lost all three of their previous European Championship encounters with Portugal without scoring, often played out from the back. This gamble nearly paid off after 20 minutes, but Pepe’s crucial last-man challenge thwarted Orkun Kokcu.
Portugal struck soon after with a swift break down the left. Mendes delivered a dangerous ball across the goal, which Silva turned in, marking his first major tournament goal in his 15th game at either the World Cup or European Championship.
A defensive mix-up then doubled Portugal’s lead. Bayindir wandered out of his goal to collect a misplaced pass aimed at Ronaldo, only to helplessly watch as Akaydin’s backpass rolled past him in slow motion. Kerem Akturkoglu forced a great save from Diogo Costa almost immediately after, but Turkey otherwise created precious few chances.
