As a Manchester United supporter myself, I had already prepared for the backlash. That is if something really bad happens to Cristiano Ronaldo during the tournament. Portugal will be facing Turkey for the other Group A match. The Manchester United winger is so good to the extent that he has detractors.
And with the whole media circus surrounding his future on whether he is staying at United or heading for Real Madrid (which he did admitted in an interview on heading there), this may be at a disadvantage to him. I had already almost given up on the entire saga. Even the fate of his national coach is uncertain with Luis Felipe Scolari (who had been linked to the vacant Chelsea position) but, he's avoiding all questions for now. Anyhow on the Ronaldo front, his fellow teammate Nuno Gomes has tipped him to make his mark in this tournament. According to the 'Big Phil' (in-depth profile), he is okay with a draw against Turkey.
For Scolari's counterpart Fatih Terim (who is nicknamed the 'Emperor' back in his country), he is hoping to spoil the party. For Nihat Kahveci (an in-depth profile of him), there is more to Portugal than just Cristiano Ronaldo.
On the team-news front for Portugal, Ronaldo almost gave many a scare earlier in the week when he was seen with an ice pack on his ankle. But he seems to be okay to be featured for the match. Over at Turkey, it's a case of touch and go for Hamit Altintop. And one interesting fact for this encounter - Turkey has not beaten Portugal in fifty-three years.
Issues to ponder about. Will the entire Turkey squad be able to stop Cristiano Ronaldo? But then again, he is not the only one Turkey has to look out for. In terms of an in-depth profile of the man, here.
On the coaching front, Luis Felipe Scholari is quite reowned and had often linked to many places (read: Chelsea being the latest). Fatih Terim even had stints abroad, though not really remarkable...but stints at home were more better. Portugal even went all the way to the final on home soil four years ago but lost to Greece and was fourth in the World Cup two years ago to hosts Germany. Turkey's last major international achievement was when they were third in the 2002 World Cup (co-hosts South Korea was fourth).
A more detailed match preview, another from Reuters. The squad lists for Portugal and Turkey. And what one need to know ahead of the match. Turkey will want to end 53 years of hurt against Portugal...
