“Cristiano Ronaldo has failed to score against Turkey” - Legendary Turkish coach expresses ‘trust’ in players ahead of Portugal clash 

Legendary Turkey coach Fatih Terim has said that Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo having never scored against the Turks could hold them in good stead ahead of their Euro 2024 clash. Both teams won their respective openers.

A Selecao saw off the Czech Republic 2-1, recovering from going a goal down when Lukas Provod opened the scoring after 62 minutes. Roberto Martinez's side, though, responded in kind, with Robin Hranac putting one past his own goalkeeper before Francisco Conceicao bagged a stoppage-time winner.

Turkey, meanwhile, thumped Georgia 3-1 to surge to the top of their group. The two teams traded goals in the first half before the Turks scored twice after the break to take all three points. Ahead of the marquee clash with the 2016 champions, Terim said (as per O Jogo):

"I have a lot of confidence in our team. Turkey gained a very important advantage over Georgia. These tournaments are different from leagues. The plans are short-term but more effective. That's why the momentum you gain is so important.

"Portugal were the clear favorites of the group before it all started. And also candidates for final victory. I still believe so, but Turkey started strong and showed what they can do. Kerem Akturkoglu's goal in the last minute is a big advantage.

Explaining why the Turks could pose a danger to Portugal, he concluded:

"Turkey had the most shots (22) and the highest total expected goals (3.01) of any team in the first round of Euro'2024. Against Georgia, 11 different players were able to shoot on goal. This shows that every player can represent a danger."

Terim said about the Ronaldo factor:

"Cristiano has failed to score a single goal against Turkey throughout his career. This can also be a source of motivation for him. I sincerely wish Turkey to win! Of course it won't be easy. But we have a good coach and a good team. I trust our players."

A Selecao and the Turks go head-to-head in Dortmund on Saturday (June 22).

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What is Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo's record against Turkey before Euro 2024 clash?

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo is the record appearance maker (208) and goalscorer (130) in men's international football since his debut in a 1-0 friendly home win over Kazakhstan in August 2003.

However, none of those strikes have come against A Selecao's upcoming Euro 2024 opponents. In his first game against the Turks, Ronaldo drew a blank as Portugal won 2-0 in their Euro 2008 opener.

In his next meeting with them, Cristiano Ronaldo provided the assist in a 3-1 home loss in a friendly in June 2012, just before Euro 2012. His third and most recent meeting against the Turks came in the 2022 FIFA World Cup playoff semifinal in 2021, with Portugal winning 3-1.