Everybody knows Portugal have the talent to win Euro 2008, but they need to come through. Portugal showed that they had the talent against Turkey, but their first goal came in the 60th minute after a tortuous period of narrow misses. In all, Portugal hit the wood work 3 times.
Pepe thought he had the lead for the Portuguese when his header from a cross went in. However, the replay showed that he was offside, and the goal did not stand.
Portugal came close time after time, but the Turks didn't break. Ronaldo blew by a Turkish defender, but Volkan Demeril, the Turkish keeper saved his shot to the back post. Ronaldo continued to deliver quality service, and the Portuguese almost had the lead when Ronaldo supplied Nuno Gomes with a cross. Gomes headed on to the bar, and the Turkish faithful breathed a sigh of relief.
Portugal were not to be denied however. Pepe received a pass in the center of the pitch, and played a sublime one-two. He got the ball back and Emre Asik slid to knock it away. It was well intentioned by Asik, but the replay showed he lifted the ball over a sliding Volkan Demeril. The Portuguese fans went crazy, and Pepe was their hero.
Turkey was not going to give up however. Tuncay almost leveled the score when Ricardo came out to collect across. Tuncay slipped in front of Ricardo, but he didn't get solid contact and Ricardo was able to parry it, and the ball was subsequently cleared. Emre Asik had the golden opportunity of the game, when he received a open header in the box, but sent it wide. Tuncay had the last opportunity of the game, but he missed an open volley from the top of the box.
Turkey threw everyone forward in stoppage time, and Portugal capitalized. Ronaldo made a great turn, and took the ball down the left side. He pushed the ball to an open Moutinho, who turned and found a wide open Raul Meireles who didn't miss the wide open net.
Portugal will have to be pleased with their 2-0 win over the Turks. Portugal overtakes the Czech Republic on goal difference, and are the leaders of their group with 3 points. Portugal takes on The Czech Republic next Wedensday.
The Portuguese were the winners, and they thoroughly deserved it.
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