Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker:
Two camps who will know that they can officially punch their EURO 24 knockout stage ticket on Saturday evening, Turkey and Portugal will meet in rural Germany.
Turkey
Starting with Turkey, managing to overcome what was an almighty challenge against European debutants Georgia earlier in the week as they eventually claimed a 3-1 victory, Vincenzo Montella’s men will be desperate to spring a major upset here. However, despite gaining plenty of plaudits following on from their EURO 24 qualifying adventure last year, the Crescent Stars have struggled with their consistency since opening the New Year. Getting hit with an infamous 6-1 drumming at the hands of Austria, Turkey will be worried by their most recent showdown against their Group F rivals. Hit with a 3-1 drumming when they travelled to Portugal while in World Cup qualifying action back in March 2022, Montella’s men are pencilled in as a real underdog here.
Team News
Scoring a sensational strike against Georgia earlier in the week and really setting this summer’s tournament alight, Real Madrid youngster Area Guler will play a leading role on Saturday evening. Helping Galatasaray claim a 24th domestic crown last season, 24-year-old Baris Alper Yilmaz will spearhead Turkey’s charge in rural Germany.
While Roma defender Zeki Celik might have been forced to settle for a spot on the bench at Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday evening, the 27-year-old could be handed a full recall and earn a 46th international cap here.
Portugal
As for Portugal, mounting what was a dramatic comeback against the Czech Republic earlier in the week as they eventually snatched a 2-1 victory, Roberto Martinez’s camp will be looking to use that late flurry as a platform to build on. Embarking on what was a sensational EURO 24 qualifying adventure last year as they won all of their 10 Group J appearances by an aggregate score of 36-2, the Navigators are tipped as a potential dark horse contender this summer. Signing off their pre-tournament preparations with a routine 3-0 victory against Ireland, the former Belgium boss will be excited by a rampant record against Saturday’s opponents. Including that 3-1 victory when they last met Turkey back in March 2022, they have also won six of their seven historic battles against the Crescent Stars.
Team News
While five-time Ballon d’Or winner might have failed to open his European Championship account against the Czech Republic earlier in the week, the former Real Madrid icon will lead Portugal’s charge. Despite coming off the bench and bagging a sensational last-gasp winner in Leipzig, the 21-year-old will have to settle for a spot on the bench.
While 41-year-old Pepe might have played the full 90 minutes on Tuesday night, the veteran defender will once again start alongside Ruben Dias and earn a 138th international cap here.
Key Factors to Consider
