By Seyi Babalola
Portugal defeated Turkey 3-0 to qualify for the Euro 2024 round of 16 on Saturday at the BVB Stadion Dortmund.
Roberto Martinez’s men opened the scoring in the 21st minute, as Bernardo Silva lashed the ball into the net from close distance after receiving a cutback from Rafael Leao from the left.
Portugal’s second came in the most unusual way, when Samet Akaydin calmly backpassed to goalie Altay Bayindir.
However, they were not on the same wavelength since Akaydin’s pass was heavy, causing the ball to trickle into the net.
Portugal completed the game on a high note, scoring a third goal in the 55th minute through Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes.
Ronaldo pounced onto the ball after an over-the-top pass and went one-on-one with the goalkeeper. However, the Portugal captain decided to pass it to Bruno Fernandes, who tapped it into an empty net.
It was Ronaldo’s seventh assist in the Euros, the most by any player on record (since 1968).
Portugal became the third team, after Germany and Spain, to reach the round of 16.
