Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal face Turkey in their second group match at the European Championship, following successful openers where Portugal edged the Czech Republic 2-1 and Turkey triumphed over Georgia 3-1. The match kicks off at 6 p.m. local time (1600 GMT) in Dortmund.
Here’s a detailed analysis of the game’s highlights:
Match Insights
- Ronaldo’s Role: At 39, Ronaldo had been benched during the 2022 World Cup, but under new coach Roberto Martinez, he’s reclaimed his starting spot. He captained Portugal against the Czech Republic, playing the entire match without scoring.
- Portugal’s Strategy: Facing a defensive Czech team in Leipzig, Portugal found it challenging to penetrate. Turkey, with its attacking prowess, is expected to provide more space for Ronaldo and his teammates to exploit.
- Turkey’s Rising Star: Arda Guler, a 19-year-old midfielder from Real Madrid, is the player to watch. He scored a stunning goal against Georgia, surpassing Ronaldo as the youngest debut scorer in the tournament. However, his fitness is in question, with coach Vincenzo Montella indicating Guler isn’t fully fit yet.
- Fan Dynamics: Turkey’s fans turned the Westfalenstadion into a vibrant sea of red against Georgia and are expected to outnumber the Portuguese supporters, creating a formidable atmosphere.
- Group Stakes: A win for either Portugal or Turkey in Dortmund, combined with a draw between Georgia and the Czech Republic in Hamburg, would secure the top spot in Group F.
Team Updates
- Portugal: With a fully fit 26-man squad, Martinez faces tough selection choices. Joao Palhinha is vying for a return to the midfield.
- Turkey: İrfan Can Kahveci missed the game against Georgia due to injury and remains absent from full training.
Statistical Highlights
- Ronaldo’s Records: He aims to extend his record 14 goals in European Championships and make his 27th appearance, the most in the tournament’s history.
- Portugal’s Form: The team won all 10 of their qualifying matches for Euro 2024 and their opening group game. Portugal has a dominant record against Turkey, winning all six of their last competitive encounters and three Euro meetings.
- Veteran Presence: Portugal’s Pepe, at 41 years and 113 days, became the oldest player to participate in a European Championship when he started against the Czechs.
- Turkey’s Breakthrough: By defeating Georgia, Turkey broke a streak of losing their opening match in the last five Euros.
Quotes
- Diogo Jota: “We’re expecting a completely different game. Turkey have better players than the Czech Republic and they will want a different kind of match.”
- Ferdi Kadıoğlu on Turkey’s fans: “Even in bad weather, they were at the stadium for us and were so loud. With them, we feel like we are playing with 12 men.”
This match promises to be a thrilling encounter with high stakes and passionate support, setting the stage for an exciting battle in Dortmund.