Sabasports Match Preview
Euro 2024: Turkey vs Portugal
Kickoff Time: 2024-06-23 00:00 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/Annegret Hilse
This is the second round of Group F of the Euro 2024. Turkey and Portugal each have three points, with Turkey temporarily leading due to their goal difference advantage.
In the first round, Turkey defeated Georgia 3-1. Due to injuries to key players such as Enes Unal, Caglar Soyuncu, and Ozan Kabak before the start of the tournament, Turkey’s defense was weakened. Therefore, coach Vincenzo Montella adopted a “top-heavy” lineup, prioritizing the most talented offensive players. This tactic has its risks: while Turkey generated many scoring opportunities, their defense was vulnerable to counterattacks. In the first round, even underdog Georgia managed 14 shots, five of which were on target. Turkey’s attacking duo, Kenan Yildiz and Arda Guler, are both just 19 years old. Guler is more versatile, often playing as a midfielder with the ability to both organize plays and shoot. Yildiz, on the other hand, is a traditional winger, known for his speed and ability to break through defenses. The effectiveness of Turkey’s wing play will be crucial to their success. However, the physical toll of their rainy first match could put them at a disadvantage compared to Portugal.
Portugal, the Euro 2016 champions, are among the favorites in this tournament. After their disappointing World Cup performance in Qatar, they appointed Roberto Martinez as coach. Known for his tactical acumen, Martinez favors a three-back formation. In the first round, he experimented by starting with five defenders to confuse the opposition. This approach initially backfired as the players struggled to adapt, resulting in a slow start. Fortunately, the five substitutions policy allowed Martinez to adjust the formation in time, leading to a come-from-behind victory. Turkey will find it challenging to anticipate Martinez’s strategies. Another highlight for Portugal was the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to a central tactical role. Ronaldo has adjusted his game, sacrificing individual scoring opportunities to create space for teammates, reminiscent of Karim Benzema’s role at Real Madrid.
From a tactical perspective, Portugal are expected to have a big advantage. Given Portugal’s strong offensive capabilities, it is likely that Turkey’s physical shortcomings and defensive instability will become apparent as the game progresses. Portugal are anticipated to win comfortably.
Turkey’s Last 5 Games: WLDLL
24-06-18 Turkey 3-1 Georgia
24-06-11 Poland 2-1 Turkey
24-06-05 Italy 0-0 Turkey
24-03-27 Austria 6-1 Turkey
24-03-23 Hungary 1-0 Turkey
Portugal’s Last 5 Games: WWLWL
24-06-19 Portugal 2-1 Czechia
24-06-12 Portugal 3-0 Ireland
24-06-09 Portugal 1-2 Croatia
24-06-05 Portugal 4-2 Finland
24-03-27 Slovenia 2-0 Portugal
Head To Head Record:
22-03-25 Portugal 3-1 Turkey
12-06-03 Portugal 1-3 Turkey
08-06-08 Portugal 2-0 Turkey
Prediction: Portugal to win