UEFA Euro 2024 Group Stage
23 June, 2024 - Indian Date
BVB Stadion Dortmund
MATCH TIMES
India
09:30 PM
UAE
08:00 PM
Saudi Arabia
07:45 PM
FULL TIME
Portugal possible starting lineup: Costa; Pepe, Dias, Mendes; Dalot, Fernandes, Vitinha, Cancelo; Bernardo, Ronaldo, Leao
Turkey possible starting lineup: Gunok; Muldur, Akaydin, Bardakci, Kadioglu; Ozcan, Calhanoglu; Guler, Kokcu, Yildiz; Yilmaz
Match Preview
Turkey and Portugal face off at Westfalenstadion in Dortmund on Saturday evening, both vying for top spot in Group F and a place in the last 16 of Euro 2024. Turkey secured a 3-1 victory over Georgia, while Portugal managed a 2-1 comeback win against the Czech Republic on matchday one.
Turkey's Form and Lineup:
Turkey entered Euro 2024 following a five-game winless streak but managed to break their poor run with a convincing win against tournament newcomers Georgia. After a first-half equalizer from Georgia's Georges Mikautadze canceled out Mert Muldur's opener, Real Madrid youngster Arda Guler scored a memorable goal, becoming the fifth-youngest scorer in Euros history. Substitute Kerem Akturkoglu sealed the win with a stoppage-time goal.
Despite the victory, head coach Vincenzo Montella emphasized the need for greater accuracy in front of goal, as Turkey only hit the target with eight of their 22 shots. Ranked 40th by FIFA, Turkey have lost just two of their last 15 competitive matches (W10 D3) and can secure a spot in the last 16 with a win. However, they have never beaten Portugal in the European Championship, failing to score in all three previous encounters.
Montella might continue with teenagers Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz on the flanks. Captain Hakan Calhanoglu is likely to partner Kaan Ayhan in a deeper midfield role, though Salih Ozcan or Okay Yokuslu might replace Ayhan. The defense could remain unchanged with Mert Muldur, Samet Akaydin, Abdulkerim Bardakci, and Ferdi Kadioglu, while Orkun Kokcu is expected to start in the number 10 role ahead of Yusuf Yazici.
Portugal's Form and Lineup:
Portugal, who had a perfect record in Euro 2024 qualifying with 10 wins, faced a tough opening match against the Czech Republic. After falling behind to a long-range strike by Lukas Provod, Portugal equalized through a bizarre own goal by Robin Hranac following a parried header by Nuno Mendes. Substitute Francisco Conceicao scored a dramatic 92nd-minute winner, marking his competitive debut in style.
Manager Roberto Martinez, pleased with his team's resilience, will be concerned about their defensive record, having kept just one clean sheet in their last six matches. However, Portugal should be confident, given their six consecutive competitive wins over Turkey.
Martinez is likely to stick with the 3-4-3 formation, featuring Nuno Mendes in a back three with Pepe and Ruben Dias, and Diogo Dalot and Joao Cancelo as wing-backs. Vitinha, who impressed in the opening match, is expected to start alongside Bruno Fernandes in midfield, with Joao Palhinha, Joao Neves, and Ruben Neves as substitutes. Cristiano Ronaldo, aiming to become the oldest goalscorer in European Championship history, will lead the attack, flanked by Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leao.
Match Preview:
Both teams have shown resilience and quality in their opening matches. Turkey's youthful exuberance and Portugal's experienced squad promise an exciting contest. A win for either side will secure top spot in Group F and advance them to the knockout stages, making this a crucial encounter for both nations.