Portugal made extremely light work of an error-strewn Turkey outfit to stroll into the last 16 of Euro 2024 as Group F winners with a 3-0 success at the Signal Iduna Park.
Both sides were capable of sealing their knockout spot with a game to spare thanks to their opening successes, but the Selecao were a class above throughout and benefitted from some horror moments from their beleaguered visitors.
Bernardo Silva's landmark goal preceded a shocking own goal from Samet Akaydin, before Turkey's high line failed miserably in the second half, and Bruno Fernandes took full advantage thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's milestone assist.
The conclusion of the contest was slightly overshadowed by several people successfully managing to evade security and enter the pitch to take photos with Ronaldo, who grew increasingly frustrated at the increase in invasions, but he was all smiles alongside his qualified teammates at the end.
As section winners, Portugal will face one of the third-placed sides from Groups A, B or C in the last 16, while Turkey remain second and only need a point to ensure a top-two finish.
Landmark Silva strike precedes terrible Turkey own goal
Despite his wonder strike in Turkey's triumph over Georgia on the opening matchday, Real Madrid sensation Arda Guler was among four names cut from the Turkey starting XI, which featured Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
Meanwhile, Joao Palhinha for Diogo Dalot was the only alteration on Portugal's end as Roberto Martinez opted for a change of shape, with Joao Cancelo operating at right-back in a four-man rearguard.
The Manchester City man had to snuff out some Turkish danger right away, doing just about enough to put off Kerem Akturkoglu after a dangerous delivery to the back stick, allowing Ruben Dias to hack the danger clear.
You don't see that very often 🫣
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 22, 2024
Portugal double their advantage in very bizarre circumstance 🇵🇹#Euro2024 | #TURPOR pic.twitter.com/zNdpga7VW1
The screw was subsequently turned by Portugal, who had a first-time major tournament scorer to thank for their advantage in the 21st minute, when Nuno Mendes's cross from the left took a nick off of Orkun Kokcu and fell kindly for Silva, who swept home a crisp left-footed strike from close in.
Not all of Portugal's attacks were coming off, though - a poor pass from Cancelo to Ronaldo in the 29th minute saw one promising move break down, or so they thought.
As Cancelo threw his hands up in frustration and Ronaldo berated his teammate, Turkey defender Akaydin played a no-look backpass to Bayindir, failing to notice that the Red Devils shot-stopper had gone wandering towards the ball, leaving his goal exposed.
Akaydin's pass rolled straight past Bayindir, who rushed back alongside a panicked Zeki Celik, but even though the latter did manage to produce a sliding intervention, the ball had already crossed the line for Portugal's second.
Akaydin's horror moment was the sixth own goal of the Euros - and no doubt the most embarrassing one - but the lively Akturkoglu nearly halved the deficit just two minutes later, gliding through Silva and Cancelo before the foot of Costa thwarted his near-post attempt.
As Turkey ramped up their desperate attempts to pull one back before the break, Felix Zwayer had his whistle in his mouth more often than not and brandished five yellow cards, including a suspension-inducing one for repeat diver Rafael Leao.
Ronaldo attracts numerous pitch invaders after record assist
Another gift for Portugal takes their lead to 3-0 🇵🇹#Euro2024 | #TURPOR pic.twitter.com/FYMYSlcEvw
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 22, 2024
The AC Milan winger and Palhinha - also cautioned in the first half - were hooked at the break as Martinez sent on Pedro Neto and Ruben Neves, while Vincenzo Montella's throw of the dice was bringing on Yusuf Yazici for Kokcu.
However, the die appeared to be cast in the 56th minute thanks to another defensive horror show, as Abdulkerim Bardacki failed to intercept a ball over the top for Ronaldo, who unselfishly chose not to try for a historic goal and instead laid off Fernandes for the simplest of tap-ins.
Ronaldo's helper did still see the 39-year-old add another page to his ever-growing record books, recording an unprecedented seventh assist at the men's Euros, and Turkey provided few threats to Portugal's advantage as the final quarter became trivial.
In fact, the highlights of the closing stages were several pitch invaders attempting to obtain selfies with Ronaldo, who was reciprocal to the first fan - a young boy - but was not so welcoming to the older second and the subsequent hopefuls.
Martinez's free-flowing charges fashioned a handful of half-chances to add to their tally in the dying embers, but they ultimately declared at three as Zwayer put Turkish fans out of their misery.
Man of the Match - Bernardo Silva
© Reuters
Ending his major tournament duck with a slick first-time strike off his left foot, Silva was a terror to the Turkish defence all afternoon and put in a quintessential classy display out on the right-hand side.
The Manchester City man also created four chances and completed 92% of his passes, but a special mention must go to Pepe, who defied his 41 years once more with a true defensive masterclass.
What next for Portugal and Turkey at Euro 2024?
Portugal boss Martinez can now afford to rotate for his side's final group game against Georgia at the Veltins-Arena on Wednesday, while Turkey seek to seal their last-16 place against the Czech Republic at the Volksparkstadion.
Ben Knapton
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