Portugal advance at EURO 2024 as Belgium secure first win

Portugal demolished Turkey 3-0 on Saturday to secure their place in the last 16 of EURO 2024.

Bernardo Silva scored in the 21st minute with a clinical finish before a comical own goal from Samet Akaydin seven minutes later doubled Portugal’s lead.

Bruno Fernandes then found the back of the net 10 minutes into the second half, putting the result beyond doubt.

With two wins from two, Portugal finish top of Group F with a game to spare.

Online bookmakers have the 2020 European champions as +550 favourites to win the title.

Meanwhile, Belgium recorded their first win of the tournament, beating Romania 2-0.

The Red Devils scored two minutes into the match through Youri Tielemans before rounding up their victory deep in the second half through Manchester City maestro Kevin De Bruyne.

Romelu Lukaku had yet another goal ruled as offside, making it the third time the Belgian has been denied by the VAR in this tournament.

The victory thickens the plot in Group E, as Belgium, Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine all have three points ahead of Matchday 3.

However, things look promising for Belgium, who are pegged at -149.25 to beat Ukraine (+376) at Bovada.

Elsewhere, newcomers Georgia forced Czech Republic to a 1-1 draw to secure a vital point.

The lowest-ranked team in the tournament took the lead from 12 yards at the end of the first half through Georges Mikautadze, only for it to be cancelled out in the 59th minute through Czech Republic’s Patrik Schick.

Bottom of Group F with one point, Georgia have a mountain to climb against Portugal on Wednesday, while Czech Republic have a tough assignment against Turkey on the same day.

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