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
MATCH LIVE INFO
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 a crucial clash at Westfalenstadion in Dortmund on Saturday evening, both aiming for the top spot in Group F and a place in the last 16 of Euro 2024. Both teams had promising starts, with Turkey defeating Georgia 3-1 and Portugal coming from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1.
Turkey's Form and Lineup:
Turkey broke a five-game winless streak with their win against Georgia. Despite a first-half equalizer from Georgia's Georges Mikautadze, Turkey regained the lead with a goal from young Real Madrid talent Arda Guler, who became the fifth-youngest scorer in Euros history. Substitute Kerem Akturkoglu added a stoppage-time goal to secure the win.
Coach Vincenzo Montella stressed the need for better finishing, as Turkey managed to hit the target only eight times out of 22 shots. Ranked 40th by FIFA, Turkey has been strong in recent competitive matches, with only two losses in their last 15 (W10 D3). They can advance to the last 16 with a win but have never scored against Portugal in their three previous European Championship encounters.
Montella is likely to maintain his trust in the young wingers Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz. Captain Hakan Calhanoglu is expected to partner with Kaan Ayhan in midfield, though there might be a change with Salih Ozcan or Okay Yokuslu potentially coming in. The defense is likely to stay the same with Mert Muldur, Samet Akaydin, Abdulkerim Bardakci, and Ferdi Kadioglu. Orkun Kokcu is set to play as the number 10, ahead of Yusuf Yazici.
Portugal's Form and Lineup:
Portugal had a challenging start against the Czech Republic, initially falling behind to a long-range goal by Lukas Provod. They equalized through an own goal by Robin Hranac, caused by a parried Nuno Mendes header, and Francisco Conceicao scored a late winner on his competitive debut.
Coach Roberto Martinez will be pleased with the team's resilience but concerned about their defensive stability, having kept just one clean sheet in their last six matches. Nevertheless, Portugal is confident given their six consecutive competitive wins over Turkey.
Martinez is likely to persist with a 3-4-3 formation. The defense will include Nuno Mendes, Pepe, and Ruben Dias, with Diogo Dalot and Joao Cancelo as wing-backs. Vitinha is expected to partner Bruno Fernandes in midfield, while Joao Palhinha, Joao Neves, and Ruben Neves could come off the bench. Cristiano Ronaldo, aiming to become the oldest goalscorer in European Championship history, will lead the attack, supported by Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leao.
Match Preview:
This encounter promises excitement with Turkey's youthful vigor against Portugal's experienced squad. A victory for either team will ensure top spot in Group F and a secure place in the knockout stages, making this match crucial for both nations. With Turkey aiming to overcome their historical struggles against Portugal and Portugal looking to maintain their winning streak, fans can expect a highly competitive and entertaining match.