Portugal made a resounding entry into the Round of 16 at Euro 2024 on Saturday with a commanding 3-0 victory over Turkey, securing the top spot in Group F.
Bernardo Silva’s clinical strike in the 21st minute, an unfortunate own goal by Samet Akaydin soon after, and Bruno Fernandes’s second-half easy tap-in ensured a convincing win for Portugal amidst the uproarious support of Turkish fans at Dortmund.
The Portuguese team displayed a formidable performance, exhibiting the prowess of a squad determined to clinch their second European Championship title, following their triumph in 2016. Their star-studded lineup effortlessly handled Vincenzo Montella’s spirited yet limited Turkish side.
Cristiano Ronaldo will have two more opportunities to etch his name as the oldest goal scorer in a European Championship, as affirmed by Martinez that the 39-year-old remains in prime condition to play every four days.
Ronaldo selflessly assisted Fernandes for a simple goal in the 56th minute, capitalizing on Turkey’s defensive lapse, and even found time to share a selfie moment with a young fan who invaded the pitch during the second half.
Martinez’s team, boasting a perfect record of six points, now look ahead to facing one of the top four third-place finishers in the upcoming round, heading into their final group fixture against Georgia without the burden of needing a specific result.
Conversely, Turkey finds themselves in a precarious position, requiring at least a draw against the Czech Republic in their next match to secure second place in the group.
Despite Turkey’s ardent support flooding the Westfalenstadion in substantial numbers, creating long traffic queues hours before kick-off, Portugal’s superiority on the field soon silenced the passionate crowd. Silva’s strike and Akaydin’s own goal showcased the gap in quality between the two teams, with Fernandes later sealing the victory by converting Ronaldo’s assist from his Manchester United days.
The Portuguese supporters erupted in joy as their team booked a spot in the Round of 16, while a young fan stole the spotlight by sprinting onto the pitch for a memorable moment with Ronaldo before bravely evading security personnel. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with both sets of fans uniting in cheers amidst the playful interruptions on the field.
