Portugal cruise to victory over Türkiye and secure top spot

Questions were raised after an inauspicious opening match of the group stage for Portugal - but a convincing 3-0 victory over Türkiye answered many concerns and sent Portugal through to the last 16 in 1st place in the group with a game to spare.

Portugal, who went into the match under pressure to improve after an unconvincing last gasp 2-1 victory over Czechia days earlier, looked much more secure in possession and fluid in attack.

Roberto Martinez, who surprised many with a lopsided 3-4-3 formation featuring 3 fullbacks and no defensive midfielder in the previous outing, fielded a much more recognisable formation on this occasion, with João Palhinha brought into the XI to provide cover for a Portugal side lining up in a 4-2-3-1.

The more organised formation allowed for a more organised and cohesive performance, with Portugal the dominant outfit from start to finish.

It was Bernardo Silva who broke the deadlock, his powerful sweeping finish in the 21 minute his first for the Seleção at a major tournament.

Portugal were gifted a goal to double their advantage just seven minutes later as Akaydin inexplicably passed into the back of his own net after goalkeeper Bayindir came charging out of his goal.

Portugal completed the rout in the second half after Cristiano Ronaldo unselfishly squared the ball to Bruno Fernandes, who had a simple tap-in to make it three.

Man of the Match: Pepe.

But for all of the goals and control in midfield, it was veteran centrebacks Pepe who stole the show, the 41-year old dominant both in the air and on the ground as he read the game supremely well and extinguished all threats Türkiye threw Portugal's way.

Pepe has become the oldest player to ever play at a European Championship - yet continues to perform like a defender in the prime of his life.