---

June 22, 2024

Ronaldo assists Portugal as it advances to the Euro 2024 knockout stage with a 3-0 victory over Turkey – Saudi Pro League

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal continued their impressive march forward with a 3-0 win against Turkey on Saturday. This marked another significant step in what is quickly becoming an exciting campaign poised for greatness. The team is showcasing skill, remarkable cohesion, and determination as it aims for the tournament’s highest honors.

Although the 39-year-old football icon didn’t find the back of the net in Dortmund, his influence and activity on the pitch were undeniable. Ronaldo played a crucial role in orchestrating Portugal’s attacks, demonstrating his leadership and vision as they capitalized on a disastrous own goal to secure their place in the knockout round.

Under coach Roberto Martinez’s guidance, the team has also clinched the top spot in Group F, even with one match remaining—set to face Georgia on Wednesday in Gelsenkirchen. As they look ahead, the momentum is firmly on Portugal’s side, and fans are eager to see how far this talented squad can go in the tournament.

Halfway through the first half, Bernardo Silva scored the first goal. Portugal—undefeated in their qualifying campaign—quickly asserted its dominance in the match.

Nuno Mendes delivered a cross from the left flank that bounced around before falling perfectly into Silva’s path. The Manchester City playmaker seized the opportunity, comfortably beating goalkeeper Altay Bayindir with a well-placed shot.

The second goal effectively sealed the match and unfolded rather comically. Samet Akaydin should have recognized Bayindir’s positioning before sending a misguided backpass toward the goal. The goalkeeper’s frantic attempt to rush back and prevent the ball from crossing the line proved futile, and Portugal found themselves in a commanding position.

Before the match, Martinez emphasized that, despite Ronaldo’s storied history as a prolific goalscorer, his actual value to the team lies in the attention he draws from defenders. This creates vital space for his teammates to exploit.

This was evident after 55 minutes when Ronaldo expertly set up Bruno Fernandes, who struck home the third goal, sending a clear message of intent from the 2016 champions.

The takeaway is unmistakable: Portugal is serious about its ambitions, Ronaldo remains a crucial asset, and this team believes it can take on anyone.

Turkey is far from finished and remains in contention to secure the second spot in the group. They can clinch that position with at least a draw against Czechia in Hamburg, coinciding with the Portugal-Georgia match (3 p.m. ET on FOX).

Portugal’s spot in the knockout stage is advantageous. If everything unfolds as planned, they won’t face another group winner—likely Spain or Germany—until the semifinal round.

However, the second half brought some chaos as three fans stormed the field at different intervals, attempting to take selfies with Ronaldo. While he graciously accepted the first request, he appeared less pleased with the subsequent two.

After the final whistle, another fan wearing a Portugal jersey managed to reach Ronaldo, waving a phone for a picture. Security had to intervene to prevent another individual from confronting one of the world’s most famous sports icons as he made his way off the field with his teammates.

Ronaldo may be particularly frustrated about not scoring against a Turkey team that, at times, seemed to be its own worst enemy.

This was especially evident in the 28th minute, when, trailing 1-0 after Bernardo Silva’s goal just seven minutes earlier, Turkey center-back Samet Akaydin made a critical error with a backpass that rolled past his goalkeeper and directly into the net.

Portugal solidified its position in the tournament by following up its opening 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic, successfully qualifying for the knockout stage with a match still to play in Group F.

Stand by your favorite team! Head to our site and let them know you’re with them all the way.

Footballnewstoday | La Liga 2 | Saudi Pro League | Major League Soccer | J League | EFL Championship | Brazilian Serie A