Ronaldo assists as Portugal advances to Euro 2024 knockout stage with 3-0 win vs. Turkey

And so Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal go marching merrily onward, a 3-0 victory over Turkey on Saturday the most recent step in what’s hurriedly turning into an imposing marketing campaign that appears destined for large issues.

Ronaldo, the 39-year-old icon of the sport, didn’t rating in Dortmund however was influential and lively, as Portugal made essentially the most of a calamitous personal purpose to clinch a spot within the spherical of 16.

Roberto Martinez’s facet are additionally confirmed because the winner of Group F, even with a sport nonetheless to play — towards Georgia on Wednesday in Gelsenkirchen.

Bernardo Silva claimed the opening purpose halfway by means of the primary half as Portugal, the one staff with an ideal document in qualifying, stamped its authority early.

Nuno Mendes’ cross from the left flank bounced round and fell into Silva’s path, from the place the Manchester Metropolis playmaker comfortably beat goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.

The second successfully sealed the competition and was a comedy of errors. Samet Akaydin failed to note Bayindir’s place earlier than aiming a backpass in direction of purpose — the keeper’s effort to hurry again and preserve it out of his web was in useless, and Portugal was rolling.

Earlier than the conflict, Martinez insisted that regardless of his lengthy historical past as a relentless goalscorer, Ronaldo’s larger worth to this staff is the eye he attracts from defenders, opening up house for his teammates.

That a lot was clear after 55 minutes when he laid the ball on a plate for Bruno Fernandes to strike dwelling the third, and full what was a transparent sign of intent from the 2016 champions.

The message is that this, Portugal means enterprise, Ronaldo goes nowhere, and this can be a staff that feels it may possibly beat anybody.

[Related: Portugal coach Martinez defends usage of Ronaldo, says he ‘deserves’ to be with national team]

Turkey is much from completed, and remains to be in place to assert second spot within the group. It could actually safe that place with a draw or higher towards Czechia in Hamburg, similtaneously the Portugal-Georgia (3 p.m. ET on FOX) sport.

As for Portugal, its spot within the bracket could possibly be thought-about a pleasant one. If all goes to plan, it might not meet one other group winner, probably Spain or Germany, till the semifinal stage.

Then there was chaos as three followers acquired on the sphere at completely different instances within the second half and tried selfies with Ronaldo. He accepted the primary however appeared sad on the different two.

One other phone-waving supporter, carrying a Portugal jersey, acquired to Ronaldo moments after the ultimate whistle and safety needed to maintain again one other individual trying to confront one of the vital well-known sports activities stars on this planet as he walked off the sphere along with his teammates.

Ronaldo may be extra sad at failing to attain towards a Turkey staff that was its personal worst enemy at instances.

Not least within the twenty eighth minute when, trailing 1-0 to Bernardo Silva’s strike seven minutes earlier, Turkey heart again Samet Akaydin delivered a back-pass that rolled to the facet of his goalkeeper and straight into the web.

Portugal backed up its opening 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic and has certified with a match to spare from Group F.

[Check out all the top moments from Portugal’s win over Turkey]

Reporting by The Related Press.

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