Ronaldo misses penalty as Turkey beat Portugal
Reuters - Saturday 02 June 2012, 21:10
Portugal missed several chances, including a
Cristiano Ronaldo penalty, and were whistled off the pitch after losing 3-1 at
home to Turkey on Saturday in their last friendly before Euro 2012.
The hosts started aggressively, pressed high up the pitch and seemed to be
in control of the match until the defence was caught napping by Turkey winger
Sercan Sararer who set up Umut Bulut for a tap-in after 35 minutes.
Portugal striker Hugo Almeida did little to appease the sell-out 65,000
crowd at Estadio da Luz when he misplaced a pass to a team-mate when it seemed
easier to shoot.
The Turks, who failed to qualify for the Euros, were hardly brilliant but
did at least take their chances.
Bulut added salt to Portugal's wounds by drilling in the second goal in the
52nd minute after taking advantage of a careless ball from Miguel Veloso.
Portugal pulled one back five minutes later after a flowing move ended in a
a fine finish from Nani and captain Ronaldo then missed from the spot in the
65th minute following a foul on right-back Miguel Lopes.
Many home fans started drifting home before Turkey's third goal came when
Ricardo Costa's goal-line clearance rebounded off Pepe into the net.
The defeat means Portugal will start Euro 2012 after a run of three matches
without a win.
They were also held 0-0 by Macedonia last week and drew with Euro co-hosts
Poland in February.
Portugal have been drawn in Group B together with Germany, Netherlands and
Denmark.