Ronaldo Breaks Assist Record As Portugal Secures Top Spot In Euro 2024 Group F

Cristiano Ronaldo Sets European Championships Assist Record as Portugal Triumphs Over Turkiye

Cristiano Ronaldo became the European Championships' record assist-maker as Portugal secured a 3-0 victory over Turkiye in Group F at Euro 2024 on Saturday. Following a late win against Czechia in their opening game, Roberto Martinez's side knew an improved performance was necessary on matchday two in Dortmund.

The Selecao dominated from start to finish, with defensive errors aiding their triumph. Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes scored, flanking a calamitous own goal by Samet Akaydin. Portugal now have the luxury of resting key players when they face Georgia in Gelsenkirchen next Wednesday. Meanwhile, Turkiye must avoid defeat against Czechia to ensure progression to the knockout stages.

With Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz, who starred in Turkiye's opener against Georgia, both on the bench, Portugal dominated from the start and went ahead after 21 minutes. A slick move down the left saw Nuno Mendes' delivery deflect kindly into Silva's path, who swept the ball home for his first goal at a major tournament.

Portugal doubled their lead in comical fashion. Joao Cancelo's attempted pass to Ronaldo was cut out by Akaydin, but the defender sent a blind back pass beyond Altay Bayindir, scoring the sixth own goal of Euro 2024. The Selecao extended their advantage 10 minutes into the second half, profiting from more poor defending from Vincenzo Montella's side.

A simple ball over the top picked out Ronaldo, who was played onside by Zeki Celik. With the goal at his mercy, he unselfishly squared for Fernandes to tap home. Portugal tried to add to their tally as Silva saw his effort blocked late on, but they did not need a fourth as they clinched progression to the last 16.

Ronaldo has now made seven assists in 27 appearances at the European Championship finals, becoming the player with the most assists at the tournament since at least 1968 (Karel Poborsky had six).

Bernardo Silva Shines

With 11 goals and 10 assists for Manchester City this past season, it is noteworthy that Silva had yet to register a goal involvement at an international tournament until Euro 2024. The 29-year-old finished well when presented with the first clear chance of the contest, and his overall play was excellent as Portugal cruised.

Silva created more chances (three) than anyone else on the pitch while also recording a 92.2% pass accuracy from 51 attempted passes. It took 15 appearances and 950 minutes of action, but Bernardo Silva finally has his first goal involvement at a major international tournament.

Turkiye's Defensive Struggles

Having impressed in forward areas against Georgia in their opening Group F fixture, all eyes will now be fixed on Turkiye's defence following an error-strewn display. Perhaps a breakdown in communication contributed to the own goal after Bayindir was brought in between the sticks. Montella now faces a decision regarding who starts against Czechia next week.

Turkiye have now lost all four of their encounters with Portugal at the Euros without scoring a single goal: 1-0 in 1996 (group stages), 2-0 in 2000 (quarter-finals), and 2-0 in 2008 (group stages). Samet Akaydin is only the second player to score an own goal from outside the box in European Championship finals history, after Pedri Gonzalez for Spain against Croatia in EURO 2020.