Cristiano Ronaldo leads Portugal attack in Euro 2024 clash against Turkey despite concerns

Cristiano Ronaldo starts as expected as Portugal look to secure their place in the knockout stages of Euro 2024 this afternoon against Turkey.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star is the focal point of a starting XI that includes Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes for what could be an engrossing Group F clash.

At 39, Ronaldo is competing in his sixth European Championship – more than any other player in history – having originally made his debut in the competition back in 2004.

The Al-Nassr striker is coming off a season where he bagged a Saudi Pro League record haul of 35 goals in his first full season and led the line for his country in their group opener against Czech Republic.

Questions have been asked whether Portugal, laden with talent across the pitch, are a better team without their legendary striker. Ronaldo was dropped from the side at the 2022 World Cup after one goal in three group games – with his replacement Goncalo Ramos scoring a hat-trick in his place.

Ronaldo played the full 90 against Czech Republic in the opening group game without getting on the score sheet, with Portugal needing an own goal and an injury time winner from Francisco Conceicao to get the win.

But Portugal manager Roberto Martinez this week dismissed any concerns over Ronaldo’s role in the side.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with Turkey, Martinez said: ‘Do you know how many minutes Cristiano played last season? He has experience, there was no other player in the history of football with six European Championships played.

‘It is important to understand what a player brings. Cristiano brings experience, brings goal opportunities, a way of opening up spaces.

‘Cristiano is in the national team because he deserves to be here, just look at what he has done and what he has done in the last competitions.’

On Ronaldo’s performance against Czech Republic, he added: ‘He was very disciplined, worked hard and is a killer, a very important box player.

‘He opens up space. When Francisco [Conceicao] scored, the space opened up because Cristiano was in the area.

‘We work with a focus and Cristiano is important for us, in what we try to do in the penalty area.’

Portugal take on Turkey who impressed in their group opener against Georgia, getting a 3-1 win.  

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