Fernandes helps Portugal beat Bayindir's Turkey

The 2016 winners triumphed by three goals to nil in Dortmund, despite huge vocal support for their opponents at the Westfalenstadion.

Fernandes tapped home the third goal of the game in the 55th minute, after an unselfish pass from former United great Cristiano Ronaldo.

The simple finish made our no.8 the third Red to net at the tournament so far, following strikes from Christian Eriksen (Denmark) and Scott McTominay (Scotland).

 

Another gift for Portugal takes their lead to 3-0 🇵🇹#Euro2024 | #TURPOR pic.twitter.com/FYMYSlcEvw

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 22, 2024

Bruno wasn't the only United player to be involved in the fixture: Diogo Dalot was named on the Portugal bench, while United's no.2, Altay Bayindir, was brought into the starting XI by Turkey manager Vincenzo Montella.

The goalkeeper started the early stages well, playing some nice passes as his country aimed to build possession from the back, but the game quickly became an ordeal for Bayindir and his team-mates.

First Manchester City's Bernardo Silva gave Portugal the lead in the 21st minute, crisply swatting home a deflected low centre from AC Milan's Rafael Leao.

Turkey had impressed until that point but, just seven minutes later, there was a traumatic moment for Bayindir and the Turkey defence, when Samet Akaydin misjudged Altay's position and sent a back pass hurtling towards the net.

Bayindir rushed back to try and prevent the ball from edging over the line, but was agonisingly too late.

Despite plenty of effort in the German sun during the second half, the Turks could find no way back, and Bruno's third – which stemmed from Ronaldo's perfectly timed run – only added further pain.

WHAT'S NEXT AT EURO 2024?

Despite this setback for Turkey, their positive result on matchday one against Georgia – who drew against the Czech Republic earlier on Saturday – means they remain well placed to qualify.

Bayindir and co take on the Czechs on Wednesday (20:00 BST), and need only a point to guarantee a place in the last 16.

Portugal take on Georgia at the same time, but Fernandes, Dalot and co are already confirmed as group winners, so Roberto Martinez could take the opportunity to give key players a well-earned rest.

The Selecao now wait to find out which of the best third-placed teams they will face in the knockout stages.