June 22 – There are occasions that take your breath away. When reality blows away illusions. Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund isn’t a trick of the mind, it really is a seething mass of Turkish and Portuguese humanity cranking the noise levels up to 104 decibels and beyond…as loud as a rock concert!
For the 209th time, Cristiano Ronaldo pulled on the red and green of his beloved Portugal as his manager, Roberto Martinez believed that the 39-year-old could still do the business at the highest level.
He also expected the same with the 41-year-old defender, Pepe, as he went all in on experience. He would be richly rewarded with a confidence boosting 3-0 win.
On the other side of the coin, Turkey boss, Vincenzo Montella, dropped Mert Muldur and teenage sensation Arda Guler to the bench, which was especially surprising after the two had scored wonder goals against Georgia at this very stadium.
Cristiano Ronaldo led from the front
As early as the first minute, Martinez would feel justified with his selection as first Ronaldo had a snapshot saved by Altay Bayindir while Pepe coolly dealt with a Turkish long ball. Experience over youth?
A pattern was developing. Portugal looked to build patiently while Turkey were content to wait for the counter-attacking opportunity.
In the 15th minute Ronaldo showed that he still has sparkling feet with a number of juicy step-overs before crossing to the far post where Rafael Leao headed wide. Five minutes later Pepe used all his years of craft and guile with a brilliant slide tackle to deny Orkun Kokcu. Any mistake on Pepe’s part would’ve meant a straight red card, and thanks to his intervention, Portugal went up the Turkish end and scored.
Pepe delivered a man-of -the-match performance, aged 41
Roberto Martinez had obviously worked with his team on using the full width of the pitch as both Leao on the right and Bernardo Silva on the left were hugging the touchline.
As the ball was fed to Leao, he attacked the box…
Source link : https://www.insideworldfootball.com/2024/06/22/ronaldo-pepe-give-young-turks-timeless-lesson-class/
Author : Paul Nicholson
Publish date : 2024-06-22 18:45:17
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