Own goal by Turkey helps Portugal qualify for Euro 2024 knockouts

Bizare Self Goal by Turkish palyer, Gifted match to Portugal, Qualify in Knockout Euro 2024

Turkey's goalkeeper Altay Bayındır gestures towards defender Samet Akaydin after an own goal in the team's game against Portugal at Euro 2024.

(News9US)- A bizarre own goal from Turkey’s Samet Akaydin helped Portugal qualify for the knockout stages of Euro 2024, thanks to its 3-0 Group F victory on Saturday.

The Turkish defender unwillingly passed the ball into his own net to double Portugal’s lead after Bernando Silva had opened the scoring for the 2016 Euros champion. Bruno Fernandes sealed the three points from close range in the 55th minute.

With this victory, Portugal has two wins from its first two Group F games, booking its place in the round of 16. Meanwhile, Turkey sits in second in the group after a win and a defeat from its opening matches.

Saturday’s game was played in a frenzied atmosphere in Dortmund’s BVB Stadion, and the stadium largely full of Turkey fans.

Both sides seemed to feed off the energy with fast starts, with Portugal making the most of that early momentum through Manchester City’s Silva, who opened the scoring when he slammed home a left-footed strike in the 21st minute.

Portgal was leading, And just minutes later, Portugal doubled its lead in bizarre fashion.
A wayward pass from Portugal rolled to the feet of Akaydin and, under no pressure from an opposing player, the defender aimed a pass back to where he thought his goalkeeper Altay Bayındır was stood. 

Unfortunately for Akaydin, Bayındır had come out to claim the pass, and the ball sliped into the Goal post.

Turkish tried a lot to come back in the game but lost.

Portugal’s spot in the next round is assured but Turkey’s hopes depend on its final group game against Czech Republic on Wednesday.