Türkiye vs Portugal - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. History: Turkey and Portugal have faced each other in international football competitions on several occasions, with their most recent meeting taking place in a friendly match in 2012. Portugal has generally had the upper hand in these encounters, winning five out of the seven matches played between the two teams.
- 2. FIFA Rankings: As of September 2021, Portugal is ranked 3rd in the FIFA World Rankings, while Turkey is ranked 34th. Portugal's higher ranking reflects their recent success in international competitions, including winning the 2016 UEFA European Championship.
- 3. Key Players: Portugal boasts a talented squad that includes players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Ruben Dias, who are all considered among the best in the world in their respective positions. Turkey's team features players like Hakan Calhanoglu, Caglar Soyuncu, and Burak Yilmaz, who have all had successful careers at both club and international level.
- 4. Playing Style: Portugal is known for their attacking style of play, with a focus on possession-based football and quick counter-attacks. Turkey, on the other hand, tends to play a more defensive game, relying on organized defending and set-pieces to create scoring opportunities.
- 5. Recent Form: Portugal has been in good form in recent years, having reached the final of the 2019 UEFA Nations League and the round of 16 at Euro 2020. Turkey, on the other hand, has struggled in international competitions, failing to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and finishing last in their group at Euro 2020.
- 6. Head-to-Head Record: Portugal and Turkey have played each other 11 times, with Portugal winning 7 matches, Turkey winning 3 matches, and 1 match ending in a draw. Their most recent meeting was in a friendly match in 2012, which Portugal won 3-1.
- 7. Euro 2020: Both Portugal and Turkey participated in the Euro 2020 tournament, with Portugal advancing to the round of 16 before being eliminated by Belgium. Turkey, on the other hand, had a disappointing campaign, finishing last in their group with just one point from three matches.
- 8. Key Matches: Some of the most memorable matches between Portugal and Turkey include their encounters in Euro 2000, Euro 2008, and Euro 2016. Portugal emerged victorious in all three of these tournaments, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring in the Euro 2008 and Euro 2016 matches.
- 9. Coaches: Portugal is currently managed by Fernando Santos, who has been in charge of the national team since 2014 and led them to victory at Euro 2016. Turkey's head coach is Senol Gunes, who previously managed the team from 2000 to 2004 and returned for a second spell in 2019.
- 10. Expectations: Portugal is considered one of the favorites to win the upcoming match against Turkey, given their superior squad and recent form. However, Turkey will be looking to spring a surprise and secure a positive result against their more fancied opponents.