Euro 2024: Ronaldo and Portugal eye victory against Turkey to secure automatic qualification

The top two in Group F, Portugal and Turkey,  meet in Dortmund knowing that victory for either could send them through as section winners. Both picked up three points in frenetic fashion in their first outings, Türkiye seeing off Georgia in perhaps the game of the tournament so far and Portugal mounting a late recovery to overcome Czechia.

All eyes will be on Crescent-Stars wingers Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız, who were electric on Tuesday when they became the first 19-year-olds to start alongside each other in a Euro game in 60 years! Older than both combined, Cristiano Ronaldo is always one to watch: he has netted against 47 different international teams but never Türkiye.

The pressure was heaped on Türkiye against Georgia – but extraordinary strikes from Arda Güler and Mert Müldür released it in some style. Versus Portugal, the pressure is all on their opponents.

 Georgia caused the Crescent-Stars a few problems at the back and you sense Portugal's forwards will not be so forgiving. Türkiye will have to keep the midfield congested and try to hit their vaunted rivals on the break.

Portugal struggled to break down Czechia but may find a Türkiye side whose style matches their own a more enjoyable task going forward. There will surely be more questions asked of their defence too, but it is in the midfield where this game could be won or lost. Türkiye has a lot of talent in the middle of the park – think Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Arda Güler, or Orkun Kökçü – but the Seleção have plenty of cause for confidence.

Vincenzo Montella, Türkiye coach: "We must focus on our identity and strengths. We need to undermine their strong points by being patient and staying compact. Our players can transition between the lines well. We must keep the ball because when Portugal's opponents control possession more, they become uncomfortable and find it difficult to play."

Roberto Martínez, Portugal coach: "This game is crucial for us to progress, to create competitiveness in the dressing room, to grow. We need to have a clear idea of how to stop Türkiye, but we also need to be ourselves. We need to control the game and create width. I think the Georgia game demonstrated that Türkiye can defend, but also attack. The third goal encapsulated Türkiye's personality and attitude."