Turkey look to build on their 3-1 win over Georgia with another convincing Group F clash against Portugal. Vincenzo Montella could rely heavily on Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz who excelled during that matchup.
At halftime, Yusuf Yazici replaced Orkun Kokcu for Turkey while Pedro Neto and Joao Palhinha replaced Rafa Leao and Joao Neves for Portugal. For the full lineups of the Turkey National Football Team vs Portugal National Football Team, check out the latest updates.
Turkey Lineup
On Saturday evening in Dortmund, two of Group F’s highest-ranked sides meet head-on. Turkey have an opportunity to secure first place, while Portugal are in contention for second spot with victory. Both had numerous opportunities during their opening games but would like to improve their accuracy when shooting; Turkey missed eight out of 22 shots while Portugal conceded late equalisers against Georgia and Georgia respectively.
Montella could be tempted to field the same team that won in Nice, with teenagers Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz leading their attack. Unfortunately, Orkun Kokcu is uncertain due to an ankle injury while Samet Akaydin appears to have sustained what appears to be a groin issue; should either fail to recover quickly enough, Montella would need to turn to Per Mertesacker from Arsenal or Joao Cancelo from Juventus at centre-back instead.
Sports Mole’s odds suggest that a draw may be the most likely result, with both sides likely opting to play it safe. That being said, this contest could still provide thrilling action at Westfalenstadion’s legendary venue for high-quality football.
Cristiano Ronaldo will start against the Czechs despite having an inconsequential game opener against them, likely alongside Goncalo Inacio or Joao Cancelo with Diogo Dalot dropping out of the starting XI. Portugal manager Martinez still needs to decide on his ideal midfield combination for Portugal; Rafael Leao or Bernardo Silva could drop from that. Pedro scored against Czechs so could get his reward of starting.
Portugal Lineup
Turkey will look to end their winless Nations League campaign when they meet Portugal on Tuesday. Though currently at the bottom of their group with one point, this final match against European champions offers them an opportunity to secure a significant win and move up in standings.
At their friendly meeting in March, Juventus defeated Madrid by an emphatic 6-1 scoreline at home. This marked a turning point in both teams’ histories with Cristiano Ronaldo approaching 900 goals for his career and becoming an ever more important figure on both squads.
Roberto Martinez must find a replacement partner for Manchester City’s Ruben Dias at centre back. Goncalo Inacio may provide one solution but Martinez may prefer more experienced duo.
William Carvalho will likely partner Bruno Fernandes in midfield as Portugal seeks to assert their dominance of this key area of the park. Joao Palhinha and Vitinha may feature off the bench as they look to strengthen Portugal’s squad ahead of this key matchup.
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Diogo Jota, Francisco Conceicao, Pedro Neto and Goncalo Ramos
Turkey will travel to Porto without several of their key players for this matchup against Portugal, including Roma’s Zeki Celik and Galatasaray’s Okay Yokuslu from Galatasaray and Roma respectively. Juventus Nicolo Fagioli will be present under Spalletti, however; an Italy international himself who would welcome another experience to add to his impressive CV.
Turkey have a solid record in front of their own fans, having won seven out of their last 10 home matches since Iceland in a World Cup qualifier, their only loss coming against them recently in a Nations League qualifier. Iceland, however, have made significant strides since losing out against them – so much so that visitors are confident of causing an upset in one of the key games for both teams in a Nations League campaign – in June they meet up again for another friendly that may prove pivotal in qualifying them both teams to Euro 2024 qualification – good performances by both teams will only strengthen them further for Euro 2024 qualification!
Turkey vs Portugal Live Streaming
Portugal will look to build on their impressive opening win against Czech Republic with another must-win Group F clash against Turkey. Both teams are level on points at the top, meaning victory would see either qualify for their inaugural last 16 appearance ever in Euro 2024 history. Cristiano Ronaldo will likely be the focal point in this match; hoping to add to his impressive goals and assists tally from Euro 2024.
Turkey, who tied Georgia in their opening match, are expected to keep up the intensity against Portugal and attempt to close any gap that might exist between themselves and the leaders. Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz could feature up front; coach Vincenzo Montella may opt to use Salih Ozcan or Okay Yokuslu instead of Kaan Ayhan for better midfield control.
Portugal experienced an initial scare against Czech Republic, yet showed incredible resilience to come back and beat them with Francisco Conceicao’s last-minute goal. Manager Roberto Martinez will look to build upon that performance and make his defense stronger going forward.
He will most likely opt for his 3-4-3 formation, featuring Pepe alongside Ruben Dias and Nuno Mendes as central midfielders, Joao Cancelo and Diogo Dalot in fullback roles, Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha in midfield, Ronaldo leading the line supported by Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leao.
Both teams will look to gain the upper hand in this match-up at Dortmund, promising an entertaining contest and likely to produce goalscoring opportunities in goalmouth-heavy encounters. Both have strong squads however and the winner should progress into the next round of competition. For an insider view during and post match analysis follow along live with our LIVE blog below – updated during match play as well as post-game analysis will also be provided here!
Turkey vs Portugal Prediction
Turkey’s win against Georgia in their opening Euro Championship qualifier was helped along by Arda Guler’s goal, yet another three points would secure their place in the last 16. Turkey are unbeaten in 10 European Championship qualifiers since 2006 and could make life difficult for Portugal – who will go top of Group D should they prevail.
Portugal were not at their best in their 2-1 victory against the Czech Republic, yet will feel they deserve their spot atop of Group D following an early striker and an own goal from Roberto Martinez’s side. While Roberto experienced some tactical problems against Czechs he should be able to address them when facing in-form Turkish teams like Ankara.
Sports Mole takes a deeper dive into how both teams could lineup for Saturday’s Euro 2024 Group F clash at Dortmund’s BVB Stadion.
The key issue in Portugal-Turkey will be how their defense can stand up to an aggressive, attack-minded Turkish side that allowed only third lowest crosses during qualifying and boasts an acclaimed frontline featuring Juventus striker Ronaldo as its leader.
Both teams boast potency up front, promising an open and exciting encounter.
Cristiano Ronaldo will start up front for Portugal, yet there is one surprise in their team as Arsenal’s Sead Haksabanovic makes way for Fulham’s Joao Palhinha.
Vincenzo Montella will likely field the same starting XI that won 2-1 against Georgia in Monday’s friendly, with Real Madrid duo Guler and Kenan Kokcu likely leading their side’s attack. Irfan Kahveci remains questionable due to muscle injury; otherwise Montella does not anticipate any major concerns with regard to fitness issues for his players.
Also Read : England National Football Team vs Switzerland National Football Team Matches
