In a great atmosphere at Stade Parsemain of Fos-sur-Mer, the Muzaffer Bilazer’s team wins the last game in group C against Portugal (2-1). The Turkish selection will have to beat Mexico to reach the final.
Determined, disciplined, efficient… The Turkish players give everything against the Seleçao (1-2). Their ticket for the semi-finals is not stolen. Pushed by numerous Turkish supporters in the stadium, the Merih Demiral’s band imposes a physical opposition to the Lusitanians. To repeat the generation 2012 achievement which qualified for the final, Turkey will have to beat Mexico.
The Red and White, today dressed in a sky blue jersey, start the game strongly. At the third minute, Baris Alici opens the score after a fast counter-attack. From the thirty meters, the Altinonrdu winger outpaces the Portuguese defense and crucifies Maximiano. The Seleçao players are feverish. Pressed very high, they multiply the techincal mistakes and bad choices. This lack of control leads to a tension and a lot of fouls are committed.
Portugal will pay one of them. On a free-kick taken by Ozturk, Kanatsikus doubles the score in front of the goal (25th). The Turkish go back to the changing room leading the game.
Portugal finishes the competition without any win
In second half, the Red and Green put more pressure on the Turkish defense. But their lack of creativity and the Turkish self-sacrifice avoid them to do the difference. At the 59th minute, the Portuguese reduce the score on a penalty kick scored by Gomes. The Seleçao has the ball possession but couldn’t find the solution. The selection of Muzafer Bilazer is well organised. The score won’t evolve. The Helio Sousa’s men take one point in three games. They finish at the bottom of the group.
To beat Mexico, leaders of the group B and best attack of the tournament, the Turkish players will have to show the same solidarity. The appointment is taken the 6th of June at Aubagne for this promising clash.
Azir Said Mohamed Cheik
Crédits photo : Magali Ruffato
Portugal – Turkey : 1-2
Matchday 3 – Group C
Stade Parsemain, Fos-sur-Mer
Goals : Gomes (59e) for Portugal / Alici (3e) et Kanatsikus (25e) for Turkey.
Portugal : Maximiano – Moura, Carmo, Silva (Correia, 40e), Costa (Vinagre, 69e) – Quina, Tavares (Filipe, 57e), Brito (Luis, 40e) – Dju, Gomes (c), Trincao
Coach : Hélio Sousa
Turkey : Bayindir – Dursun, Demirbag, Demiral (c), Polat – Ozturk (Aksoy, 80e), Alpsoy (Ozfesli, 57e), Kardes – Eskhellac (Akcay, 47e), Kanatsizkus, Alici (Polat, 71e)
Coach : Muzaffer Bilazer