Euro 2024 Portekiz: Portugal Secures Spot While Turkey Faces Must-Win
Portugal dominated Turkey 3-0 in their Euro 2024 qualifying match in Dortmund, securing their place in the tournament. This leaves Turkey needing a positive result against the Czech Republic in their final group game to keep their Euro 2024 Portekiz hopes alive.
Portugal celebrates their victory over Turkey, securing advancement to Euro 2024. Source, Getty Images
Portugal’s Dominant Performance Seals Euro 2024 Qualification
Portugal’s victory came courtesy of goals from Bernardo Silva, an own goal from Samet Akaydın, and Bruno Fernandes. The win cemented their position at the top of Group F, guaranteeing their participation in Euro 2024 Portekiz. Meanwhile, a 1-1 draw between Georgia and the Czech Republic in the other group match further complicated matters for Turkey.
Turkey’s Struggles and Road to Euro 2024 Portekiz
Turkey fielded a starting lineup with notable changes from their previous victory against Georgia. Altay Bayındır, Zeki Çelik, Yunus Akgün, and Kerem Aktürkoğlu replaced Mert Günok, Mert Müldür, Arda Güler, and Kenan Yıldız, respectively. The decision to bench Arda Güler, cited as being rested due to fatigue, drew criticism, especially after his introduction in the 70th minute when the game was already out of reach.
A moment of action from the crucial Euro 2024 qualifying match between Turkey and Portugal. Source, Getty Images
Abdülkerim Bardakcı received a yellow card in the 25th minute, ruling him out of the crucial Czech Republic match due to suspension. Adding to Turkey’s woes, Samet Akaydın suffered an injury in the 75th minute and had to be substituted. Despite several second-half substitutions, Turkey couldn’t find a way back into the game.
Cristiano Ronaldo Named Man of the Match
BBC Sport awarded Cristiano Ronaldo the man of the match accolade with a rating of 7.89 out of 10, shared with Pepe. Arda Güler was Turkey’s highest-rated player with a score of 5.81.
Turkey’s Euro 2024 Portekiz Hopes Hinge on Final Match
Following the match, Turkey’s coach Vincenzo Montella acknowledged the pressure of the situation, stating that the coach often becomes the target of blame after a defeat. He defended his decision regarding Arda Güler, explaining that the player was fatigued and risked injury. He hoped Güler could potentially make a difference if the score was closer.
Turkey now faces a must-win scenario against the Czech Republic. A draw would be enough to secure second place in Group F and a spot in Euro 2024 Portekiz. However, a loss or a Czech Republic victory would leave Turkey’s qualification hopes dependent on the outcome of the Portugal-Georgia match and results from other groups. The top two teams from each of the six groups, along with the four best third-placed teams, will qualify for the final tournament.