Arda Guler makes hopeful prediction ahead of Euro 2024 clash against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal
Turkey and Real Madrid attacker Arda Guler has made a hopeful prediction ahead of his country's upcoming Euro 2024 clash against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal. The two teams will lock horns on Saturday, June 22.
Both teams have made a strong start to their respective European Championship campaigns by winning their opening matches. Turkey beat Georgia 3-1 on Tuesday, June 18). Meanwhile, Roberto Martinez's side had to come from behind to script a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic on the same day.
However, Turkey currently sit atop Group F, thanks to their superior goal difference. After this team's first match, Guler said (via @MadridXtra)
"We've never won against Portugal in official matches in our history, I hope this will be a first."
Guler was impressive in his team's Euro 2024 opening match against Georgia. With the game level at 1-1 after the interval, the youngster struck an incredible long-range effort to take his team ahead in the 65th minute.
Overall, the 19-year-old forward has made just eight appearances for his country, bagging two goals. Turkey may have a decent chance of beating Portugal, who weren't at their best in the game against the Czech Republic.
In their nine previous meetings, Portugal won seven of those contests, while Turkey emerged victorious on two occasions.
Former Manchester United star slams Cristiano Ronaldo before Portugal face Turkey in Euro 2024
Ex-Manchester United man Karel Poborsky has ripped into Cristiano Ronaldo for his display in Portugal's 2-1 win against the Czech Republic. The Al-Nassr superstar wasn't impactful and even missed an opportunity to put his side ahead from close range in the first half.
There have been concerns over whether Ronaldo will be able to deliver, given he's 39 years old. Expressing similar concerns, Poborsky told CTK ( vis Mirror):
"I've been saying for a long time that in that Ronaldo will be one of their weakest links. The fans of both teams will go crazy for him, but at his age, he is not as good at building the game and pressing as his younger teammates."
Although there are doubts over his off-the-ball work, Ronaldo comes into Euro 2024 on the back of a brilliant club season with Al-Nassr. He scored 35 goals in 31 Saudi Pro League games.