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After a shaky start, Portugal showcased their strength with a commanding 3-0 victory over Turkey in Dortmund. No need for complicated calculations or a calculator.
This is a new era. After two matches, the Portuguese national team is through to the Round of 16, topping Group F for the first time since 2008.
Dortmund turned into a “little Istanbul” with the Signal-Iduna Park mostly filled with Turkish fans. However, Portugal demonstrated how to silence a stadium in just 30 minutes.
Roberto Martínez set up the team in a 4-3-3 formation, with Palhinha stepping into midfield in place of Dalot. Cancelo played as the right-back but often moved inside as an additional midfielder. This required Nuno Mendes and Leão to provide width on the left.
With Kökçü starting, the “Crescent Stars” began better and came very close to scoring through Aktürkoğlu (an incredible miss in the small area). But Portugal, like great teams, remained unfazed and continued playing the same way. Passing the ball with a low tempo, as if deflating the Turkish enthusiasm in the stands.
After two warnings from Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal scored with a beautifully crafted play down the left flank. Rafael Leão (who again did not seize the opportunity) released Nuno Mendes, who cut the ball back. Kökçü got a slight touch, and the ball fell to Bernardo, who scored his first goal in a major tournament.
Turkey is a more organized team trying to play since Montella took over. However, some cultural traits are hard to hide. The Turkish team has immense willpower, which can be their biggest flaw: they easily become disorganized.
Moreover, some players have technical limitations, unlike the national team. Trailing, the “Crescent Stars” gave away a comical goal. Cancelo missed a pass to Ronaldo, and while both gesticulated, Akaydin passed the ball back to Bayindir, who was out of position.
With wounded pride, Turkey had their best period before halftime, with Kökçü shooting for an easy save by Diogo Costa, who had earlier made a great save from Aktürkoğlu’s shot.
Control and Debuts
Pedro Neto and Rúben Neves replaced Palhinha and Leão at halftime. The changes made no difference as Portugal continued to control the game, maintain possession, and completely neutralize the Turks, who were powerless to counter the national dominance. By then, the voices of the 40,000 Turkish fans in the stands were barely audible…
The 3-0 scoreline came naturally. Rúben Neves played a long ball to Cristiano Ronaldo, and the captain, unselfishly, set up the goal for 3-0. Simple yet beautiful, as football should be. Notably, the assist allowed Ronaldo to tie Poborsky as the player with the most assists in the European Championship finals.
Portugal could (and perhaps should) have extended the lead. There were chances for more goals, as Ronaldo and Bernardo can attest. No more goals were celebrated, but the debuts of João Neves and António Silva in the Euros were noted.
In the end, the splendor of Portugal rose. The national colors were proudly displayed, filling everyone with pride.