Cristiano Ronaldo is back in action as Portugal and Turkey strive for their second consecutive winning streak at Euro 2024. – nextfootballnews
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Cristiano Ronaldo is back in action as Portugal and Turkey strive for their second consecutive winning streak at Euro 2024.

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Ronaldo was not selected for the Portugal team at the 2022 World Cup; however, it appears that he will continue to be a starter under Roberto Martinez, who assumed the role of coach following the tournament in Qatar.

In their second group encounter at the European Championship, Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo will face Turkey. Both nations initiated Group F play with victories: Portugal defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 and Turkey defeated Georgia 3-1.

Ronaldo, who was 39 years old when he was omitted from the Portugal team for the 2022 World Cup, appears to be as assured of a starting position as ever under Roberto Martinez, who assumed the role of coach following the tournament in Qatar. Ronaldo, the captain, participated in the entire match against the Czech Republic; however, he failed to score.

In Leipzig, Portugal faced a Czech Republic team that defended in numbers and remained in a defensive stance. Given Turkey’s offensive capabilities, it is unlikely that they will do so. Therefore, Ronaldo and his teammates will have additional room to operate in the future.

Arda Guler is the individual to monitor in Turkey. Ronaldo’s record as the youngest debut scorer at a European Championship was broken by the 19-year-old attacking midfielder from Real Madrid, who scored one of the tournament’s goals against Georgia. The goal was a long-range screamer that struck the top corner.

The Westfalenstadion in Dortmund is the site of Turkey’s second consecutive match. Their supporters transformed the stadium into a sea of red in opposition to Georgia and are expected to surpass the Portuguese contingent.

Portugal or Turkey will secure the first-place finish in the division if they secure a victory in Dortmund and if Georgia and the Czech Republic draw in Hamburg earlier on Saturday.

Martinez is once again faced with difficult decisions, as Portugal’s 26-man squad has been in training. This is due to the group’s exceptional depth. Joao Palhinha is advocating for his reinstatement as the anchorman in the midfield.

Ronaldo intends to augment his European Championship scoring record of 14 goals. This is five goals more than his closest competitor, Michel Platini, who scored all nine of his goals in the same tournament (1984). Ronaldo will also make his 27th appearance at the Euros, which will extend his record.

Portugal emerged victorious in their inaugural group game and all 10 of their qualifying games for Euro 2024.

Turkey has been defeated by the team in each of their most recent six competitive matches, as well as in all three of their encounters during the Euros.

Pepe, the Portuguese defender, became the oldest player to appear in a European Championship by commencing the match against the Czech Republic at the age of 41 years and 113 days.

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