Euro 2024: Turkey vs Portugal tips and predictions - Cat among the pigeons as Turks score first

Turkey served up the game of the tournament so far when beating Georgia 3-1 on Tuesday, while Portugal claimed a fortunate 2-1 win against Czechia.

Mert Mulder produced a goal of the tournament contender when volleying home from the edge of the box for the Turks, only for Arda Guler to produce a Puskas award contender.

Portugal dominated every statistical category against Czechia yet needed an own goal to draw level and a fortunate sequence of events to seal a 92nd-minute winner.

On the evidence of Turkey’s attacking play, both sides will face a tougher test on Tuesday. That said, there are question marks about their defence.

While Portugal were guilty of sloppy passing and missing a cutting edge, Vincenzo Montella’s side failed to control most of their game and relied on chance creation.

 

Planet Sport Bet Special: Bet £10 on Turkey vs Portugal and if both teams score in the first half, get a £5 free bet

 

It seems obvious they won’t be able to play the same way in this match, but then again, maybe attack will be the best form of defence against a team that struggles to keep clean sheets.

Sitting off and allowing Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva time and space will always end badly, but we’ve seen worse sides succeed against Portugal’s defence.

Croatia, Finland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Sweden found the net twice in Portugal’s last 10 matches and it’s become a rarity that they keep a FIFA Top 20 side out.

The sides have only met once recently, but it was a thriller. Portugal led 2-0 before Burak Yilmaz reduced the deficit and missed an 85th-minute penalty to draw level.

 

Team news

Turkey should remain unchanged from the side that beat Georgia 3-1 on Tuesday, with goalscorers Mulder and Guler starting while Kerem Akturkoglu remains on the bench.

Abdulkerim Bardachi and Hakan Calhanoglou will have to tread carefully having received yellow cards in the first match.

Cristiano Ronaldo was largely a spectator as Portugal tried to force passes to CR7. It would take a brave decision from Roberto Martinez to replace him with Goncalo Ramos.

Pepe, Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva should all start again in Dortmund.

 

Key stats

- Portugal have trailed eight times in their last 12 matches at the Euros

- Portugal won the last meeting of the sides, 3-1, in 2022

- Portugal have conceded nine goals in their last six matches

- Turkey have conceded in six of their last seven matches

- Turkey’s last 10 matches have produced 33 goals

 

Suggested bets

Team to score first: Turkey

Both teams to score

Over 2.5 goals