Turkey-Portugal, the “old” CR7 vs. Montella’s baby talents: an interesting duel for first place in Group F is staged in Dortmund.
Portugal’s “old” – but still tremendously effective – Cristiano Ronaldo against Montella’s Turkey baby talents Yildiz and Guler. Of cues there is plenty to be found in the challenge at Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park between the two selections that, at the moment, lead the Group F standings after winning in the opener.
The Lusitanians, as happened to other big names in the tournament- see England and France- managed to get their hands on the first three points by beating the Czech Republic 2-1 but did not shine. The tactical arrangement decided by coach Martinez (three-man defense) did not seem to be the right solution and Portugal, which has plenty of talent and quality, appeared confusing. The fact is that the Czechs managed to harness it for most of the match. And had they not squandered it all in the midst of recovery by favoring Conceiçao’s decisive goal (Hradec’s defensive blunder) they would have brought home a very valuable point. Turkey also suffered more than the final result (3-1) says, dragged by its little jewels. The one with Georgia was perhaps one of the most exciting and entertaining matches we have witnessed so far. Montella’s team created and conceded a lot and the Georgians in the second half repeatedly threatened to score the equalizing goal. A dream then finally broken by Akturkoglu’s goal in the recovery.
Turkey-Portugal, Ronaldo will not be left high and dry again
Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the best on the pitch against the Czech Republic. The Al-Nassr center forward only lacked a goal to cap off an excellent performance. The former Real Madrid and Juventus man shot three times on goal (five total shots) and would have deserved to end up on the scorers’ sheet.
In any case, CR7 managed to disprove the detractors, namely those who believe that, at almost 40 years old, he is no longer up to European soccer, playing for two years now in Saudi Arabia. We believe that against Turkey, whose defense appears more vulnerable than the Czech’s, the five-time Ballon d’Or can unlock himself, inflating the net on at least one occasion. Watch also for Joao Felix, who will be preferred to a dull Leao, and Bruno Fernandes, who together with Vitinha (three total shots last Tuesday) will make themselves dangerous on several occasions.
In Turkey, as far as shots are concerned, confidence can be given to Calhanoglu, a judgment on set pieces, but watch out for Juventus’ Yildiz, who appeared inspired against Georgia. Other possible stars among Montella’s men are Kokçu and Guler, the latter also acting as man-assist. Returning to Portugal, not to be underestimated are the offensive sorties of Cancelo and Nuno Mendes, who can become added attackers. At risk of yellow, finally, the usual Pepe and former Sassuolo player Muldur.
Share comparison
Ronaldo scorer Plus is listed at 1.65 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and at 1.95 on Snai. Yildiz at least two total shots Plus on the other hand is quoted at 1.90 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and 2.25 on Snai.
