TURKEY V PORTUGAL | SATURDAY 22 JUNE | Signal Iduna Park | 18:00
Portugal cruised through qualification for Euro 2024, boasting the only perfect record (10 wins in 10 matches). Unlike Portugal’s smooth sailing, Turkey’s qualification campaign was a rollercoaster, with Italian tactician Vincenzo Montella steering the Turkish national team through the turbulence.
To win (90 min)
Turkey 44/10
Draw 33/10
Portugal 11/20
TURKEY
A string of unconvincing results led to coach Stefan Kuntz getting the boot. In came Vincenzo Montella, who promptly orchestrated a stunning away win over Croatia and a thumping victory against Latvia. A hard-fought draw with Wales then secured their ticket to Euro 2024.
While Turkey hasn’t been regular on the Euro stage, their 2008 team, with its dramatic comebacks and fierce spirit, remains etched in the memory of fans. However, their recent record hasn’t been inspiring, with just one win in their last seven Euro appearances.
But this time, things might be different. Boasting the second youngest starting XI in qualification (only behind Ukraine), Turkey fields a squad brimming with potential. And in Hakan Çalhanoglu, possess a midfielder who, on his day, can rival the best in the tournament. While Portugal is the clear favourite to top the group, Turkey is seen as the most likely challenger to join them in the knockout stages!
PORTUGAL
Their firepower was unmatched, with a staggering 36 goals – seven more than any other team. This dominance wasn’t just offensive; Portugal conceded just twice in qualifying, solidifying their position as the competition’s defensive leaders.
This squad, brimming with world-class talent playing for Europe’s top clubs, enters the tournament as a favourite. But even at 39, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the name on everyone’s lips. During qualification, he was unstoppable, scoring 10 goals in nine appearances – the highest tally for Portugal by a significant margin.
The appointment of Roberto Martínez as manager in January 2023 signalled a new era. Under Fernando Santos, Portugal secured their first major title at Euro 2016 (defeating France 1-0) and followed it up with the inaugural UEFA Nations League victory in 2019 (beating the Netherlands 1-0). With a fresh approach and a potent squad, Portugal looks poised to challenge for a third trophy in eight years.
PREDICTION: Portugal win
Despite Montella’s seemingly ordinary track record on the grand stage, his recent manoeuvres have endeared him to the Turkish faithful. He filled the void that Stefan Kuntz left and guided the national team through the nail-biting qualifiers, but I can’t see them getting past this dominant Portugal outfit.
Written by Desh Parthab