Portugal secured their place in the last 16 of Euro 2024 as group winners with a straightforward victory over Turkey in Dortmund.
Bernardo Silva of Manchester City opened the scoring midway through the first half, firing home first time after Nuno Mendes’ deflected cross from the left.
Portugal doubled their lead through a calamitous own goal when defender Samet Akaydin’s attempted pass back to goalkeeper Altay Bayindir ended up in the net.
The jubilant Turkish support, who had marched to the stadium from the city center draped in flags, was subdued by the turn of events.
Despite being fewer in number, Portugal’s supporters were equally impressive, celebrating their team’s fluid and composed performance.
Portugal sealed the win when Cristiano Ronaldo set up Bruno Fernandes for a simple tap-in to make it 3-0 before the hour mark.
The 2016 champions will face Group F opponents Georgia on Wednesday, having completed their job in the group stages, while Turkey still has a chance to qualify when they face the Czech Republic in Hamburg.
“I think we played at the same level as we did against the Czechs and that’s very important. We scored first and that changed what Turkey could do,” said Portugal boss Roberto Martinez.
“We can face the third game with many players in the dressing room deserving to be in the starting XI. We should give them a chance to prove how competitive this squad can be.”
Portugal show quality as Turkey keep hope
Martinez noted that Portugal had better prepared for this game compared to their narrow opening victory over the Czech Republic, and it was evident in their performance.
Led by the legendary Ronaldo for the second match, Portugal created numerous chances and consistently tested Turkey’s defense.
Silva was active in the attack, forming effective partnerships with Vitinha and Joao Cancelo, while Mendes showcased his dynamic abilities on Portugal’s left flank.
Martinez also commended Ronaldo’s influence, particularly following recent doubts about whether he affected team cohesion negatively.
“I saw today something that is spectacular, to have Ronaldo, who is an out-and-out goalscorer, looking for the assist,” added Martinez.
“It is an example that should be shown in every academy in Portugal. The team is the most important thing and probably that assist means a lot more than any other goal.”
Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey side had a few chances of their own – Kerem Akturkoglu could not make clean contact a few yards out, and later forced goalkeeper Diogo Costa into a smart save at his near post.
Orkun Kokcu also tested Costa in the first half, while Yusuf Yazici drilled one straight at him in the second half.
Turkey fans were unhappy with the officials, and their players confronted German referee Felix Zwayer, who they felt had awarded Portugal too many free-kicks.
Turkey still have high hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages for the first time in their history, with three points in the bag after winning their first match against Georgia.
“We had our own opportunities and were punished at the first mistake. It was a balanced game until the first goal,” said Montella.
“These things happen in football. I think we played equal with one of the best teams in Europe. They were much more clinical and that made the difference.”
Meanwhile, Portugal’s performance only reaffirmed their supporters’ belief that they have the potential to succeed in Germany.
Saturday’s match was marred by several individuals running onto the pitch, circumventing security guards, in an attempt to take pictures with Ronaldo.
The first was a young boy, and the Portugal captain obliged by posing for a photo. However, Ronaldo later became frustrated as others tried to do the same.