Portugal 2 Turkey 0 - Euro 2008 Group A

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First international goals for Pepe and Merieles secured an opening day win for tournament second-favourites Portugal. Jamie Lombard reports.

Portugal 2 – 0 Turkey - Euro 2008 Group A

First international goals for Pepe and Merieles secured an opening day win for tournament second-favourites Portugal.

Simao and Deco provided good, early penetration; the former’s dribble into the box instigating an early booking for Kazim-Richards. It seemed the Portuguese would be rewarded for their endeavour in the 17th minute, though Pepe was offside when he leapt highest to nod in from Simao’s cross.

Scolari’s men continued to find width and create decent chances throughout the first half: Simao, Joao Moutinho and Nuno Gomes with blocked close-range efforts, Ronaldo firing wide from 20 yards after a fine run, and Pepe glancing wide from a corner. Turkey, meanwhile, launched a series of promising counter attacks but failed to trouble Ricardo’s goal.

The best chance of the half came from a superb Ronaldo free-kick – hit low from the left corner of the area and tipped onto the post by the Turkish stopper – although the winger was not showing his usually faultless touch, giving the ball away without pressure on more than one occasion.

The second period began with a display of Turkey’s fighting spirit; Nihat latching onto a Colin Kazim-Richards pass in the 49th minute, though two touches too many and a cynical dive put an end to the move. Soon after, Nuno Gomes hit the post after good advantage from the referee.

Ronaldo began to find his range before the hour, and was involved in the opening goal. His pass to Pepe near the centre circle was collected by the athletic defender, who then dribbled towards goal. A smart one-two with Nuno Gomes left the Turks flat footed, as Pepe obliged with a striker’s finish from 13 yards.

The remainder of the half saw Nuno Gomes hit the woodwork a second time, while Turkey continued to counter, most notably through the impressive Kazim-Richards. Portugal were managing to create, although, now with Ronaldo in a central role, were guilty over over-elaborating.

With 90 minutes on the clock, Tuncay failed to convert a Kazim-Richards knock-down, his right boot striking nothing but air. Two minutes later, Ronaldo broke away on the right, squaring the ball to the impressive Moutinho on the penalty spot who turned his defender and laid the ball off for the incoming Raul Merieles. The late substitute, with the ‘keeper at Moutinho’s feet, was able to slot home.

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