“What a performance” - Piers Morgan hails Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal teammate as ‘monster’ after 3-0 win over Turkey at Euro 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal ended matchday 2 of Euro 2024 with a thumping 3-0 win over Turkey. All three departments of the lineup did their job as they thoroughly dominated the game.
One of the standout players for A Selecao was none other than the evergreen Pepe. The 41-year-old defender has defied all age constraints, as he's still performing at the peak of his potential. Pepe was as solid as he'd always been as he helped Portugal record a clean sheet.
English journalist and Cristiano Ronaldo fan Piers Morgan raved about Pepe, tweeting:
The FC Porto defender was solid, maintaining an astonishing 97% passing accuracy with just two passes going astray. Moreover, the former Real Madrid man stymied most attacks from a desperate-looking Turkish outfit.
One of his most iconic moments came in the 73rd minute when he clinched the ball away from the Turkish attackers and recovered it again from the prodigal Arda Guler.
Pepe got a standing ovation from fans when he was taken off in the 83rd minute by boss Roberto Martinez.
Cristiano Ronaldo set European Championship record in Euro 2024 win over Turkey
Cristiano Ronaldo became the joint-highest assist provider in the history of the European Championship with his assist to Bruno Fernandes in the win over Turkey.
Ronaldo now has eight assists, level with Czechia's Karel Poborský. The two are followed by Cesc Fabregas, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Arjen Robben, each with five assists.
The Al-Nassr captain also has the most goals (14) at the Euros, five clear of France's Michel Platini.
Ronaldo and Portugal are atop Group F with six points in Euro 2024. They play Georgia in their last group game on Wednesday (June 27) before gearing up for the knockout.
Portugal will play the Round of 16 on July 2 at the Deutsche Bank Park. Their opponent (Group E runner-up) is yet to be decided, though.