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Turkeyvs.Portugal

sportsmole.co.uk, 20 June 2024, 12:52
Cristiano Ronaldo will endeavour to write his name in the history books once again should he feature in Portugal's Euro 2024 Group F clash with Turkey at Westfalenstadion in Dortmund on Saturday.

Ronaldo became the first player to make an appearance in six European Championships when he led Portugal to a 2-1 comeback victory over Czech Republic on Monday, and although he was unable to get his name on the scoresheet, the 39-year-old will become the oldest goalscorer at the Euros if he finds the net versus Turkey.

The legendary striker is expected to retain his place up front in Roberto Martinez's side, starting down the middle of a three-man attack in between Rafael Leao on the left and Bernardo Silva on the right.

Francisco Conceicao came off the substitutes' bench to net a 92nd-minute winner against Czech Republic, but he will likely be kept in reserve once again to begin with on Saturday along with Pedro Neto, Diogo Jota and Goncalo Ramos.

Martinez opted to deploy a 3-4-3 system versus Czechia, with Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha - Man of the Match in Monday's win - linking arms in centre-midfield, and both players should keep their places in the starting lineup ahead of Joao Palhinha, Joao Neves and Ruben Neves.

Diogo Dalot and Joao Cancelo were tasked with operating as wing-backs and are expected to start again in the same roles against Turkey, while Nuno Mendes - a left-back by trade - could continue on the left side of a back three.

Ruben Dias is set to start again in the heart of defence next to 41-year-old Pepe, who became the oldest player to appear at the Euros last time out, although his minutes could be managed throughout the tournament, with Goncalo Inacio and Antonio Silva among those waiting in the wings if needed.

Portugal possible starting lineup: Costa; Pepe, Dias, Mendes; Dalot, Fernandes, Vitinha, Cancelo; Bernardo, Ronaldo, Leao

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