Euro 2008: Portugal 2-0 Turkey (Match Report)

June 8th, 2008

After a rather disappointing first game to the tournament, everyone was hoping this might be a little more lively. Before the game, all eyes were on Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo to impress, after his midweek comments that he wants to leave Manchester United.

The captains led out their players, Portugal wearing all red, while Turkey came out in their fully white strip.

Upon kick off, to everyone’s surprise (most of all the Portuguese defenders’) Turkey made some promising attacking play, as did Portugal. Portugal came out on top in this battle though, forcing some early corners, and on the sixteenth minute having a goal disallowed for offside. Meanwhile at the other end, Turkey had a half-hearted penalty claim after Tuncay appeared to be pulled down, but, on watching the replay, it soon appeared it was a dive.

Towards the end of the first half, Portugal were making some very promising opportunities, including a series of corners, and undoubtedly the best shot of the first half: A Cristiano Ronaldo free kick which the Turkish goalie just got his fingertips to, to guide it onto the inside of the post. Portugal looked frustrated as they couldn’t quite slot the ball home. Portugal dominated the first half, with over two thirds of the possession!

In the second half it was more of the same. Portugal dominated and Turkey got the odd chance, until on the stroke of the hour mark, the Portuguese defender Pepe plays a lovely one-two just outside the box and coolly slots home through the keepers legs: 1-0 to Portugal.

Portugal kept on pressuring, making all three of their substitutions, opting for attacking players each time. Portugal hit the woodwork three times before Turkey had a half chance at the other end, where Middlesbrough striker Tuncay wildly swung at the ball and missed completely.

Then, on the ninetieth minute, Nani, the Portuguese winger, makes a run down the right, and Aurelio comes crashing in. On first appearances it’s a good tackle, but when you watch the replay the Turkey player probably should have been sent off.

Two minutes later. Cristiano Ronaldo broke loose up the left hand side, slotting through to Moutinho o the edge of the box, who calmly passed it once again for substitute Meireles to pass the ball into the empty net.

Portugal never really looked like losing, and judging by this performance definitely have what it takes to go all the way to the Euro 2008 final.

Final Score:
Portugal 2 – 0 Turkey

Watch Both GOALS:

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