This is a game that most football supporters will have penciled in as a must watch fixture, especially those who have been keeping a close eye on the progression of Turkey.
Under their Italian manager, Vincenzo Montella, this team has certainly grabbed the attention of football fans across the world and they are now a team that must be reckoned with.
If you watched Portugal’s first game against the Czech Republic on Tuesday, you will no doubt have been transfixed by Ronaldo and his sheer determination.
Can you believe that he is 39 years old, what an example for young players who are just starting out in the game to aspire to.
Odds and Predictions
We think that the bookies have set their odds with the ‘Ronaldo factor’ in mind. Portugal are the favourites at 1.57, the odds for the draw are 4.33 and Turkey are priced at 5.0.
We know that Turkey played their first match against Georgia, the lowest ranked in their group, but they did win 3 – 1 and we can only play what is in front of us.
We don’t necessarily think Turkey will win this match, but we also think that the odds of 5.0 for them to do so are too high.
For our main tips, we are going for the draw at 4.33 and for the correct score, yes, you guessed correctly, 1 – 1 at odds of 8.5.
Our last predictions are based upon our opinion that the Turkey odds are too high, so we are going to go for the ‘Double chance’ market and Turkey to win or draw at 2.3.
Comparison and Statistics from Past Meetings between the Teams
Turkey and Portugal have played each other a total of 9 times.
In these matches, Portugal has won 7 matches, while Turkey has won 2.
There have been no draws between the two teams.
| Past Meetings | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Mar 2022 | portugal | 3-1 | turkey | FIFA World Cup Qualifier |
| 02 Jun 2012 | portugal | 1-3 | turkey | Friendly Game |
| 07 Jun 2008 | portugal | 2-0 | turkey | Friendly Game |
| 24 Jun 2000 | portugal | 2-0 | turkey | UEFA European Championship |
| 14 Jun 1996 | portugal | 1-0 | turkey | UEFA European Championship |
Expected Line Ups
For English football fans, the Portugal side is full of familiar names, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva in particular who are both magicians in the middle of the park, not to mention you know who (Ronaldo!).
The Turkey side are perhaps not so recognisable, but players like Hakan Calhanoglu, who plays for Inter Milan and Marseille’s Cengiz Under, are both highly accomplished players.
Turkey (4-2-3-1): Ugurcan Cakir; Zeki Celik, Merih Demiral, Ozan Kabak, Ridvan Yilmaz; Okay Yokuslu, Orkun Kokcu; Cengiz Under, Hakan Calhanoglu, Kerem Akturkoglu; Burak Yilmaz.
Portugal (4-3-3): Diogo Costa; Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio, Nuno Mendes; Joao Palhinha, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes; Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Leao.
How Far Will These Teams Progress in the Tournament?
We expect both of these teams to qualify from Group F and to have a successful Euro 2024.
As it stands, Turkey could very well get to the Quarter-finals, even further to be honest, the same with Portugal.
You just can’t get past the Ronaldo factor and if Portugal reaches the Semi-finals of the tournament, we won’t be surprised.
