Portugal defeated Turkey 2-0 in their tournament opener on Saturday. Two second half goals thanks to Pepe and Raul Meireles secured all three points for Portugal in the first match. So, the runner up of Euro 2004 has had a good start in the tournament.
Pepe opened scoring for Portugal in the 61st minute. The defender sent the ball into Turkey post after playing one-two with Nuno Gomes. Substituted Raul Meireles scored the second goal in the closing minutes of the match which ensured an easy victory for Portugal. However, Portugal could have scored more goals if they did not hit goal bar thrice and Pepe’s 18th minute header was not disallowed due to off side. However, still Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari does not need to worry about the score line of the match because his top gun Cristiano Ronaldo played very well and appeared as a constant threat for Turkey during the match. Nuno Gomes played excellently well but was a bit unlucky as two of his shot hit the bar and often fall in the off side trap of Turkish defense. However, Turkey was not that much impressive in the match.
With this victory, Portugal is now leading Group A in goal difference. For Turkey, they must win the next game against co-host Switzerland in order to keep their hope of reaching the next round alive. Portugal faces Czech Republic in the next match.
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xinhuanet
Monday, June 09, 2008
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