Portugal overwhelmed Turkey with a 3-0 victory in Dortmund on Saturday, securing their spot in the last 16 of Euro 2024. Meanwhile, Belgium revived their campaign with an impressive 2-0 win over Romania, and Georgia celebrated a historic first point in a major tournament with a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic.
Youri Tielemans revitalised Belgium’s Euro 2024 hopes as the Aston Villa midfielder’s goal after just 73 seconds inspired a crucial win against Romania. The match, played in an electric atmosphere in Cologne, left fans wondering how there were only two goals given the intensity.
The final night of matches will be decisive, with Belgium facing Ukraine and Slovakia playing Romania. Four points could secure the top spot or lead to elimination, illustrating the group’s tight competition.
Ranked third in the world by FIFA, Belgium looked nothing like the lethargic team shocked by Slovakia in their opener. From the outset, they attacked with vigour. Romelu Lukaku set up Tielemans, whose precise low shot found the net.
Romania had a brief chance with Radu Dragusin’s header, well saved by Koen Casteels, but Belgium dominated the first half. Dodi Lukebakio’s fierce shot was saved by Florin Nita, and both Lukebakio and Amadou Onana missed clear chances. Despite this, Romania weathered the storm, maintaining a strong atmosphere with unwavering fan support.
Portugal Cruise Past Turkey into Euro 2024 Knockout Stage
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, champions in 2016, confirmed their status as title favourites with a comprehensive win over Turkey. Bernardo Silva opened the scoring after a deflected Nuno Mendes cross, and a comical own goal by Samet Akaydin doubled their lead. Bruno Fernandes completed the victory after Ronaldo selflessly set him up.
Having beaten the Czech Republic earlier, Portugal now have six points and are guaranteed to top Group F, even before facing Georgia in Gelsenkirchen on Wednesday. They will play a last-16 tie in Frankfurt against one of the best third-place finishers.
Meanwhile, at 39, Ronaldo is eyeing the record as the oldest goal-scorer in Euros history. Although he didn’t add to his tally, he attracted pitch invaders seeking selfies. Initially obliging, Ronaldo became annoyed as more fans entered the field.
Schick Saves Czech Republic’s Euro 2024 Dream
Despite their loss, Turkey, who beat Georgia in their opening game, will qualify in second place if they avoid defeat against the Czechs. Earlier, Patrik Schick’s improvised finish earned the Czechs a draw against Georgia, leaving both teams needing a win to advance. Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili’s outstanding saves kept his team in the game, and they took the lead with Georges Mikautadze’s penalty. Schick’s equaliser ensured a share of the points.
Meanwhile, Georgia’s first point in a major tournament is a proud moment. “I am quite happy and satisfied just for being here… our first point is a historic moment,” Mamardashvili said.
“We will have a very difficult match against Portugal, they are one of the best teams at the tournament but we will do our best, and we will see.”