Turkey vs Portugal Preview
- Tournament: Euro 2024
- Date: Saturday, 22nd June
- Kick-off time: 4:00 PM GMT
- Venue: Signal Iduna Park
Following a nervy win against Czech Republic at UEFA Euro 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal will now take on energetic Turkey in their second game this weekend. The Crescent Stars are the leaders of Group F after the end of the first round of group stage fixtures, while Lucitanians are in the second position. Both teams will enter this contest in a bid to claim all three points to confirm their place in the Knockout stage. Scroll down below to know more about Turkey vs Portugal preview, prediction and team news.
Portugal have started their Euro 2024 journey in not so convincing fashion, as they were almost handed a surprising loss by the Czech Republic football team. But, an own goal by an opponent defender and a late goal from the substitute Francisco Conceicao pulled Roberto Martinez’s side from the jaws of defeat. After being pitted against the likes of Czech Republic, Turkey and Georgia in the same group, the 2016 Euro Champions look to have upper hands. But, their lackluster performance against Czechia has raised the question on their long survival in the tournament.
Turkey, on the flip side, have proved that they are not here at Euro 2024 to be bullied by the big boys of the tournament. Hakan Calhanoglu’s side has registered seven wins and 14 goals to their names, with only one defeat coming against Croatia in their last eight Euro 2024 qualifiers. Their last game against Georgia was all about a decorated team performance with a few individual brilliance putting the tie to bed for them in the second half. Real Madrid’s wonder boy, Arda Guler raised the temperature of Germany by his world-class long-range goal which is already at the top of the list of the best goals of the Euro 2024. With a Knockout berth up for the grab, the perennial dark horses Turkey are expected to make life difficult for Ronaldo and his side.
Turkey vs Portugal Team News
Turkey National Football Team News
Vincenzo Montella should play the same squad that faced Georgia in their first group game. The head boy of his team, Hakan Calhanoglu is his best player to deliver on big occasions, and against a star-studded Portuguese Armeda, a positive display of the Inter Milan attacker will be necessary. Baris Yilmaz will once start as the main forward, with the likes of Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz supporting him with the regular supply of the ball in the final third. With no major injury concern, Turkey look all set to take on a shaky Portuguese side.
Portugal National Football Team News
There is no news of injury coming out of Portugal national football team at the moment. Cristiano Ronaldo will once again lead the Portuguese attack, with Rafael Leao and Bernardo Silva joining him up front. Bruno Fernandes will run the midfield alongside the player of the match against Czechia, Vitinha. However, a tactical change might be seen against Turkey, with Joao Cancelo coming down to the right back position and Joao Palhinha featuring in the defensive midfield position.
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Turkey vs Portugal Predicted Line-ups
Turkey Predicted Playing XI: Gunok, Akaydin, Muldur, Bardakci, Kadioglu, Ayhan, Calhanoglu, Guler, Yildiz, Kokcu, Yilmaz
Portugal Predicted Playing XI: Diego Costa, Pepe, Ruben Dias, Cancelo, Mendes, Bruno, Vitinha, Palhinha, Leao, Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo
Turkey vs Portugal Head-to-head Stats
These two nations have locked horns nine times at the international stage in their history. Portugal have the upper hand in this tie with seven wins, while Turkey emerged victorious only on two occasions. The last encounter between the two teams took place back in 2022, and a convincing Portuguese victory marked the end of that match.
Last 5 H2H Results:
Portugal 3-1 Turkey (2022, World Cup qualifier)
Portugal 1-3 Turkey (2012, Friendly)
Portugal 2-0 Turkey (2008, Euro)
Turkey 0-2 Portugal (2000, Euro)
Portugal 1-0 Turkey (1996, Euro)
Key Players to Watch in Turkey vs Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
The Portuguese captain has become the first player in history to feature at six Euros. The 39-year-old started his European Championship journey back in 2004 under the leadership of Luis Figo. Since then, the five-time Balon d’Or winner has been the strongest force for Portugal in every major tournament. With 14 goals already to his name at Euro, Ronaldo will now look to add one or two against Turkey.
Arda Guler (Turkey)
Despite some big names and senior players in the Turkey team, the talk of the town is Real Madrid’s young prodigy, Arda Guler who has already become the youngest scorer for his nation. His trickery, calmness and composure on the turf help him to tear through the opponents. The 19-year-old scored a goal against Georgia which might be one of the best goals in the history of Euro. He will be the key figure in Turkey’s attack against Portugal.
Turkey vs Portugal Prediction
Both Portugal and Turkey won their respective games last week. The Turks clinched all three points in a stylish fashion, while Roberto Martinez’s side came from behind to edge past Czechia in a fighting victory. The 2016 Euro champions’ record against Turkey has been impressive and they will look to keep things that way. Despite the Calhanoglu-led young brigade attracting few glares at Euro 2024, Portugal are favorites to win this fixture.
Predicted Score: Turkey 1-2 Portugal
Where to Watch Turkey vs Portugal Live?
Q. Where to watch Turkey vs Portugal live in India?
Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV will telecast the Turkey vs Portugal match live in India.
Q. Where to watch Turkey vs Portugal live in the USA?
FOX Sports will broadcast the live telecast of Turkey vs Portugal in the USA.
Q. Where to watch Turkey vs Portugal live in the UK?
ITV will telecast the Turkey vs Portugal game in the UK.
Q. Where to watch Turkey vs Portugal live in Portugal?
The match will be telecasted on SportTV in Portugal.
Q. Where to watch Turkey vs Portugal live in Turkey?
TRT will provide a live telecast of this game in Turkey.
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