Highlights

Fernandes and Silva's Goals Give Portugal Victory Over Turkey

HIGHLIGHTS

• Portugal defeated Turkey 3-0 in a World Cup qualifying match.
• Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes scored the goals for Portugal.
• Portugal is now top of Group F, two points ahead of Turkey.

FULL TIME: Portugal 3 Turkey 0

Portugal began Euro 2024 as one of the teams strongly fancied to win the competition, so they hardly needed the huge helping hand given to them. Having already seen the Republic of Ireland, their rivals for automatic qualification, held to a draw by Serbia, Portugal knew that victory in Istanbul would put them three points clear at the summit of Group F. But though they started with huge energy and intent, it took an act of incredible stupidity from Caglar Soyuncu to gift the European champions the lead. Soyuncu was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area after a cross from Diogo Dalot and referee Ovidiu Hategan pointed to the spot. Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up to take the penalty but saw his effort saved by Ugurcan Cakir. However, the rebound fell invitingly for Bernardo Silva, who made no mistake and gave Portugal a 1-0 lead.

That seemed to knock the stuffing out of Turkey, who had started the game brightly, pressing Portugal high up the field and creating several chances. After the break, Portugal continued to dominate possession and Turkey rarely threatened. Bruno Fernandes sealed the win with a cool finish in the 75th minute, after nice work from Joao Felix. Ronaldo then added a third in stoppage time to make sure of the victory.

The win means that Portugal are now top of Group F, two points ahead of Turkey. They will be confident of securing automatic qualification for the World Cup when they face the Republic of Ireland in their final group game next month.