Football News: Ronaldo Shines, Pepe Leads Portugal, Turkey Face Must-Win Clash
When Cristiano Ronaldo was dropped from the Portugal team during the 2022 World Cup, it felt like the end of his international career. But the 39-year-old icon has responded, contributing to Portugal’s 3-0 win over Turkey with an assist in their Euro 2024 qualifier on March 27th.
Ronaldo’s seven assists in European Championship matches are the most of any player since records began in 1968. While he is still waiting for his first goal at Euro 2024, his quality and movement were on full display, as Portugal’s midfield creativity from the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva complemented Ronaldo’s timeless presence.
However, the veteran hero of the day was Pepe, the 41-year-old center-back, who produced a defensive masterclass to help Portugal secure the victory. Pepe’s partnership with Ruben Dias at the back suggests Portugal have the experience and quality to go far in this tournament.
“Pepe’s partnership with Ruben Dias at the back suggests Portugal have the experience and quality to go far in this tournament.”
Turkey, on the other hand, must turn up against the Czech Republic on March 29th to finish their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a flourish. Despite the 3-0 defeat to Portugal, they remain second in Group F and are still in pole position to qualify as runners-up, but a stronger performance will be required.
Elsewhere in football news, Giorgi Mamardashvili, the Georgia goalkeeper, caught the eye with his impressive display against the Czech Republic, leading to reports of interest from Newcastle United, who are seeking a new No. 1 for the upcoming Premier League season. Mamardashvili’s heroics helped Georgia earn their first-ever point in a major tournament.
In the Czech Republic camp, striker Patrik Schick‘s vital equalizer against Georgia was his sixth goal in just seven European Championship matches, placing him second only behind France‘s Michel Platini for the best strike rate in the competition’s history. However, Schick was substituted with a calf injury, and the Czechs will be desperate to have their leading scorer fit for the crucial final Group F clash with Turkey.
As the football world turns its attention to the upcoming Euro 2024, Champions League, FIFA World Cup, Women’s World Cup, Africa Cup of Nations, Premier League, EFL Cup, EFL Championship, EFL One, EFL Two, and FA Cup, the drama and excitement continue to unfold.
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