Good afternoon/evening! Welcome to
Sports Mole's live commentary of the
Euro 2024 clash between Turkey and Portugal. It is a huge game in Group F. Let's kick straight off with the all-important team news here...
PORTUGAL: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Pepe, Mendes; Palhinha, Vitinha, Fernandes; B Silva, Ronaldo, Leao
SUBS: Patricio, Sa, Semedo, Dalot, Ramos, Felix, Danilo, Inacio, J Neves, Nunes, R Neves, Jota, A Silva, Neto, Conceicao
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has made one change to the side that started against Czech Republic in their first match at the competition. Diogo Dalot has dropped out of the XI, with Joao Palhinha coming in. As a result, it is a change of formation, with a 4-3-3 replacing a 3-4-3 from the first match.
TURKEY: Bayindir; Celik, Akaydin, Bardakci, Kadioglu; Ayhan, Kokcu; Akgun, Calhanoglu, Akturkoglu; Yilmaz
SUBS: Cakir, Demiral, Guler, Kaplan, Kilicsoy, Muldur, Ozcan, Tosun, Yazici, Yildirim, Yildiz, Yokuslu, Yuksek
Turkey boss Vincenzo Montella has made four changes to his Turkey side for this match. Manchester United's Altay Bayindir starts between the sticks, with Mert Gunok having a slight injury, while Zeki Celik, Yunus Akgun and Kerem Akturkoglu also come into the side. Real Madrid's Arda Guler is among the players to drop out of the side.
What a brilliant sight this...
What do both teams need?Ok, so Georgia and Czech Republic have just played out a 1-1 in Group F, with the pair remaining fourth and third respectively.
Leaders Turkey will be in the round of 16 as group winners if they win, while the same can also be said for second-placed Portugal. A draw would not guarantee that both advantage, but it would almost certainly be enough.
What happened last time out?Turkey recorded a 3-1 victory over Georgia in their opening match in Group F. The score was actually level heading towards the final 25 minutes, but Guler made it 2-1 to Turkey before Akturkoglu added a second in the final seconds.
Portugal, meanwhile, trailed Czech Republic in their last match, but they turned the fixture around to win 2-1, with Francisco Conceicao hitting the game's all-important third goal in the 92nd minute. Conceicao is again on the bench here, as is Diogo Jota, with
Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leao operating alongside
Cristiano Ronaldo in the final third of the field.
A reminder of the two teams here...
Pepe became the oldest player to feature in the tournament on matchday one, with the centre-back taking to the field at the age of 41 years and 113 days old, breaking the record which had been held by Gabor Kiraly, who was 40 years and 86 days old when he turned out for Hungary against Belgium at Euro 2016.
A certain Ronaldo is chasing a number of European Championship records this summer, and he broke one of those against Czech Republic, having now featured in sixth European Championship finals. If he finds the back of the net in this match, he will become the oldest goalscorer in the history of the competition.
A word from former Portugal defender Jose Fonte on the
Football Daily podcast...
"It will be a very hard game as Turkey have such a young and talented squad. It suits Portugal more as Turkey will give more space and they will come out to play.
"Having this space and the pace we have up front will suit Portugal, we will probably see more goals, but it will be a tough game.
"The attitude was good [against Czech Republic] and we showed a gameplan, but lacked a bit of aggressiveness that we showed in the second half."
Ā© ReutersTurkey are bidding to advance through the group stage for the first time since 2008, when they secured a spot in the semi-finals. In truth, a point here would likely be enough, but a win definitely books a place in the round of 16 as section winners.
Portugal won all 10 of their Euro 2024 qualification matches, with their last competitive defeat proving to be a 1-0 reverse to Morocco at the 2022 World Cup. Martinez's side are being tipped as serious challengers for the trophy this summer.
Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix, Diogo Jota, Pedro Neto and Conceicao are among the options on the Portugal bench tonight. Some talent in reserve. It will be fascinating to see how Leao, Ronaldo and Bernardo perform as a front three against Turkey, as they did find it difficult against Czech Republic.
There is also plenty of talent in reserve for Turkey, including former Premier League striker Cenk Tosun. The 33-year-old is actually the leading goalscorer in the squad with 20, two ahead of Hakan Calhanoglu, who will again captain his side tonight.
Ā© ReutersSome pre-match thoughts from Portugal head coach Martinez...
"After the game against Czechia, we're better, we're more prepared. We know that even after going one goal down, we can turn the game around," he told reporters.
"Now we're playing against Turkey, everyone needs to be ready, whether you're in the starting XI or not. This game is crucial for us to progress, to create competitiveness in the dressing room, to grow.
"We'll give everything in the first three games and then analyse our performances."
Just about 20 minutes until kickoff here, and the atmosphere inside the stadium is sensational. Let's hope for some goals, as our featured match last night between Netherlands and France produced the first goalless draw of the competition.
Interesting that neither Guler nor Kenan Yildiz start for Turkey tonight. Tactical decisions? Or is Montella being clever and looking ahead? It also appears that Calhanoglu will be playing slightly further forward than the first match.
Turkey are bidding to win their first two games at a major tournament for the first time, and it would be some achievement if they overcame Portugal in the process. Are this team capable of being dark horses at the competition? Some talent in their squad.
Little over 10 minutes until kickoff now. The atmosphere inside the stadium is absolutely wonderful. I really hope this game delivers, as a number haven't in the group stage. Portugal would send out a statement if they win and win well here.
Bit of a throwback here. Some recognisable names...
The players are emerging from the tunnel. Calhanoglu will skipper Turkey, while Portugal will be captained by Ronaldo. I have been really looking forward to this game - it has the potential to be a classic. Remember, a win for either sees them win the group.
I went a bit early. The players had actually been in the tunnel waiting to come out for about three or four minutes, but they are now on the field. It will soon be time for the national anthems.
Portugal's anthem is up first. Iconic.
Turkey's turn.
Ok, that's enough pre-match stuff now. It's time for the football. The standout game of the day comes in Dortmund. Winner takes all here. And it's next!
KICKOFF: Ā Portugal will get the game underway...
SAVE! Ā Bayindir has to make the stop to keep out a volley from Ronaldo after the number seven had been picked out by Bernardo. Good stuff from Portugal early on here.
Portugal have started the better here, no doubt about that. Turkey are very deep, and it does appear that they could attempt to grind out a draw here.
Half-chance for Turkey as the ball is delivered into Akturkoglu, but it is bundled behind for a goal kick. The possession is now back with Portugal here.
CHANCE! Ā Big chance for Turkey to take the lead, but Akturkoglu fails to make the most of a cross from Celik after getting in at the far post. Had to do better there!
CLOSE! Ā Cancelo was caught out at the far post for that Turkey chance two minutes ago, and Montella's side have just started to work their way into the contest. Even game now, with Cancelo looking for Ronaldo again, but he heads wide of the post.
Leao shows good feet in a wide area before delivering low towards Ronaldo, but Ayhan is able to make the clearance. Still goalless here, but it has been a good start.
Pass, pass, pass from Portugal at the moment. Vitinha is a super footballer isn't he.
Vitinha delivers a dangerous cross into the Turkey box, but Montella's side just manage to deal with the danger before launching a counter-attack, which comes to an end. Both managers will be relatively pleased with what they have seen in the opening 15 minutes of this contest.
SAVE! Ā Comfortable for Bayindir to collect a header from Leao.
Portugal are in charge of the contest from a possession point of view, but no real chances at the moment. It is quite similar to last night's clash between Netherlands and France, which had a big build-up and then failed to seriously produce. Hopefully not another 0-0 here!
Stunning tackle from Pepe to clear ahead of Kokcu. It was like me over the seven-a-side. I hope I'm still doing that at the age of 41. I'm not far off now.
GOAL! Ā TURKEY 0-1 PORTUGAL (BERNARDO)
Portugal make the breakthrough in the 21st minute of the contest, and it is Bernardo, with the Manchester City attacker curling one into the back of the net from close range. The cross was behind Ronaldo, but Bernardo was on hand to dispatch.
Portugal are searching for a second here. Turkey are just holding on.
CLOSE! Ā Fernandes tries his luck with a spectacular volley, but it is wide of the post. Turkey just cannot seem to get to grips with the match at the moment.
It was Mendes who delivered into Bernardo for the opening goal of the match, and the left-back is causing a lot of problems for Turkey at the moment.
GOAL! Ā TURKEY 0-2 PORTUGAL (AKAYDIN OWN GOAL)
Oh my word. What just happened?! Horrible moment for Turkey here, as a mix-up between Bayindir and Akaydin sees Portugal take a 2-0 lead. Akaydin played a back-pass towards his own goal, but Bayindir had come out to deal with it. Huge slice of luck for Portugal after Cancelo had failed to deliver a pass to Ronaldo.
SAVE! Ā Smart save from Costa to keep out a low strike from Akturkoglu, as Turkey look to hit back. It's a really good stop from Portugal's number one.
Turkey have shown improvement over the last few minutes, but they have a serious mountain to climb in this match. I'm still thinking about that own goal.
Quite a lot of the blame is being put on Bayindir for Portugal's second, but for me, the defender is at fault. What on earth is he doing?
SHOT! Ā Fernandes whistles one over the crossbar as Portugal break again.
SHOT! Ā Little over five minutes until the interval here, and Portugal are dominating again. Ronaldo lines one up from the edge of the box, but his effort is over.
YELLOW CARD! Ā Portugal's Leao picks up a booking for a dive.
A penny for Montella's thoughts. It is a long way back for Turkey, especially against a team of this standard. Portugal are sending out a message with their performance.
SAVE! Ā Smart save from Costa to keep out a low strike from Kokcu.
YELLOW CARD! Ā Bardakci is booked for Turkey for a firm challenge on Leao, and then Akaydin and Celik also pick up yellow cards for complaining to the referee. Not good.
Ā© ReutersBernardo's performance against Czech Republic was criticised, but he has been brilliant in the opening half of this match. Stunning so far it must be said.
YELLOW CARD! Ā Palhinha is booked this time for a challenge on Celik.
Just the one minute to be added at the end of the first period.
HALF TIME: Ā TURKEY 0-2 PORTUGAL
Portugal lead 2-0 at the break, with Martinez's side on course to reach the last-16 stage of the competition as section winners. Bernardo sent Portugal ahead in the 21st minute, before a crazy mix-up led to Akaydin netting an own goal for Turkey.
Turkey have had their moments, but Bernardo's opener was damaging, and then the mix-up between Bayindir and Akaydin led to the latter scoring an own goal. It is very difficult to imagine a way back for Montella's side in the second period.
He's got another three or four major tournaments left in him surely...
A reminder that Portugal are winning this group as it stands. And a reminder that second in this section could tackle France in the round of 16. Crikey. Turkey have a lot of quality, though, and this game is not over. The second period in Dortmund is next.
KICKOFF: Ā Turkey kick the second period off here. What has the next 45 minutes got in store for us? While I think of it, just a word on Leao - his booking in the first period will rule him out of Portugal's last group game against Georgia.
SUBS! Two subs for Portugal at the interval, as Neto and Ruben Neves enter the field in place of Leao and Palhinha.
Meanwhile, Turkey bring on Yazici in place of Kokcu.
Fernandes almost breaks into a one-on-one with his Man United teammate Bayindir, but Calhanoglu is on hand to make the challenge.
The second period has just settled down after a fast start, with Portugal in control of the ball. Nothing to suggest thus far that Turkey can stage a comeback here.
Cancelo breaks down the right and delivers a dangerous cross into the Turkey box, but the danger is eventually cleared. Just another reminder that Portugal are advancing to the next round as group winners at the moment, while Turkey would drop to second.
SAVE! Ā Decent effort from Yazici, but Costa is on hand to make a comfortable save.
Possession football from Portugal at the moment, with Turkey struggling to string a series of passes together. Could be some more changes on the way soon.
GOAL! Ā TURKEY 0-3 PORTUGAL (FERNANDES)
It is 3-0 Portugal, and it is another mistake from Turkey, as Bardakci fails to clear the ball, and it breaks through to Ronaldo, who squares into Fernandes, and the Man United attacker just cannot miss. That is game, set and match here.
Few would have blamed Ronaldo for shooting there. But he decided to set up his teammate, and Portugal are charging into the knockout round.
SUBS! Two Turkey subs, as Yildiz and Yuksek replace Akturkoglu and Ayhan.
Little under 30 minutes of this match remaining. Turkey are still in a solid position in the group, sitting second, and their last match is against Czech Republic.
Turkey just need to be a bit careful here, as they are making some unnecessary challenges which could lead to more yellow cards.
SHOT! Ā Yildiz misses the target with a long-range strike.
CHANCE! Ā Big chance for Ronaldo as Bernardo breaks down the right before delivering towards the number seven, but he heads away from the goal.
SAVE! Ā Comfortable for Costa to gather a header from Yilmaz.
PORTUGAL SUB! Semedo replaces Cancelo for Portugal.
TURKEY SUB! Guler comes on for Turkey in place of Akgun.
Portugal have never scored four in a European Championship match, so they are chasing some history here. Meanwhile, Ronaldo is also chasing a lot of history, and a goal would give him the record of the oldest goalscorer in the competition.
Portugal are searching for more goals, with Turkey just waiting for the final whistle. Little over 15 minutes of action, and Portugal are heading into the round of 16.
TURKEY SUB! Demiral enters the field in place of Akaydin.
Will be interesting to see if Ronaldo completes the 90 minutes here. At the moment, it seems like it. Will he get that goal? Turkey are on the attack at the moment.
Turkey's fans deserve a goal here, the support has been fantastic.
PORTUGAL SUB! Pepe is replaced by Antonio Silva.
Little over five minutes of the clash remaining, and Portugal have been brilliant. I said that Portugal could send out a message here, and that has indeed been the case.
Smart defending from Mendes to clear ahead of Guler at the far post. Ronaldo then breaks into the box down the other end, but he cannot find Neto with the pass.
SAVE! Ā Decent claim from Bayindir to gather the ball ahead of Bernardo.
PORTUGAL SUB! Joao Neves replaces Vitinha here.
I shouldn't imagine that there will be too much added time at the end of this match. Turkey won't mind anyway; they want this game over.
We are into the second of five added minutes here, and someone else is on the field, that is the third time in this contest. Oh dear!
Turkey have the possession as we approach the final stages of this contest. It does not appear that there will be a goal for their supporters to celebrate. A reminder that Portugal are heading into the next round of the competition as Group F winners.
Ok, another person on the field. Four now. How does it keep happening?
FULL TIME: Ā TURKEY 0-3 PORTUGAL
That's it then! Portugal book their spot in the last-16 stage of Euro 2024 with a match to spare courtesy of a 3-0 victory over Turkey in Dortmund. Turkey need something from their final game against Czech Republic to be certain of progression.
Portugal, Germany and Spain are now the three teams definitely in the last-16 stage of the tournament. This was a dominant performance from Martinez's side.
That is just about it from me here. A win for Portugal.
I will leave you with our brilliant match report of the action.
Thanks for joining us for more live Euro 2024 action!
Germany
Switzerland
Hungary
Scotland
Spain
Italy
Croatia
Albania
England
Denmark
Slovenia
Serbia
Austria
France
Netherlands
Poland
Romania
Belgium
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Portugal
Turkey
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