Türkiye faces crucial Euro 2024 match against Portugal, here are first XIs

Having started Euro 2024 with a 3-1 win against Georgia, the Turkish national football team will face Portugal in their second match in Group F tonight in Dortmund.

German referee Felix Zwayer will officiate the match.

Portugal, who defeated the Czech Republic in extra time, will face a tough challenge. Even a draw for Türkiye tonight will keep them at the top of the group standings and give them an important advantage on the way to the top of the group.

Precautions for Arda Guler

Portugal’s head coach Roberto Martinez emphasized the importance of Arda Guler ahead of the match, stating: “His game will be decisive, but we have taken precautions.” Portugal’s star player Leao mentioned, “Hakan Calhanoglu is a fantastic player, and Baris Alper is very fast.”

Ahead of the critical match against Portugal, concerns have arisen regarding Guler’s fitness. The national team’s coach Vincenzo Montella announced in Friday’s press conference that the star player may not start in the first eleven because of fatigue.

The Italian coach stated: “We will decide today whether he will start in the first eleven or not. We need to make a decision based on the risk.”

Missing player: Irfan Can

Montella expressed he does not consider Portugal a flawless team, stating, “They also have weaknesses. We will exploit their vulnerabilities.” He also commented on Ronaldo, saying, “He is an incredible player. They are very fortunate to have such a player.”

Possible first 11

Probable starting lineup for Türkiye: Bayindir, Celik, Samet, Abdulkerim, Kadioglu, Ayhan, Calhanoglu, Kokcu, Yilmaz, Akturkoglu, Akgun
Head Coach: V. Montella
Injured: Irfan Can

Probable starting lineup for Portugal: Costa, Cancelo, Dias, Pepe, Mendes, Palhinha, Vitinha, Fernandes, Silva, Leao, Ronaldo
Head Coach: R. Martinez
Injured: –