Portugal 3-1 Turkey: “Cleared” and qualified for the final of the playoffs, Yilmaz deadly

Portugal is closer to the Qatar World Cup. Fernando Santos’ team beat Turkey 3-1 in Dragao to reach the play-off final, where they meet North Macedonia. Otavio (15th) and Zota (42nd) scored the first goals for the Portuguese. Yilmaz reduced to 65′ for Turkey while later being fatal losing a penalty to equalize in 85′. Nounies in 90+4′ suspended Portugal from qualifying.

Portugal came into play very strongly. In the 9th minute, Dalot turned from the right, Ronaldo made the shot while moving and the ball went wide. In the 11th minute, the hosts missed a great opportunity. Bruno Fernandez committed a foul from the right, Zota pulled to the far post but didn’t get the ball as close as he would have liked and went wide.

Portugal finally opened the scoring in the 15th minute. Bernardo Silva missed the shot, the ball landed on Chakir’s right post, Otavio took the rebound and pushed the ball into the net to make it 1-0.

In the minutes that followed, Turkey picked up the pace and tried to find an answer. In the 23rd minute, the guests missed a huge chance. After a cross from the right, Koutlou headed in from close range and the ball went a bit wide. Kuktsou missed another chance in the 27th minute.

Turkey got on the pitch while Portugal found empty spots. So she doubled her goals in the 42nd minute. Otavio took the cross from the right, saw Zotas, who sent the ball into the net with a header at the second post to make it 2-0 at half-time.

Portugal went into the second half to control the pace of the game. Santos’ team was not threatened until the 65th minute. It was the moment when Turkey came back into the game reduced. Yilmaz played a few with Uder, the Lille striker faced Costa and sent the ball into the net. Turkey rose and immediately missed another chance with Yilmaz.

Turkey had a huge chance to equalize just minutes before the final. In the 83rd minute, Fonte found Unal with his foot in the penalty area as he captured the ball while the Turk had bitten the ball. After an investigation at the VAR, a penalty was awarded. Yilmaz took over the execution, but the ball hit the bar and went wide at 85.

At 90+4′ Portugal checked the qualification. Nounies faced the Turkish keeper after a pass from Leao and made it 3-1. In the delay, Ronaldo made the shot, with the ball hitting the crossbar.

PORTUGAL: Diogo Costa, Dalot, Danilo, Fode, Guerrero (88′ Mendes), Bruno Fernandes (80′ Carvalho), Joao Moutinho (88′ Nounies), Bernardo Silva, Zota (71′ Felix), Otavo (89′) .

TURKEY: Tsakir, Kabak, Demiral, Soyuncu, Koutlou (90′ Dursun), Selik (80′ Yazici), Koktsu (80′ Tokoz), Tsalhanoglu, Akturkoglou (66′ Unal), Uder, Yilmaz.