Explainers

WINNING starts for both Portugal and Turkey at Euro 2024 have set up a mouth-watering clash in Group F.Turkey top the group on goal difference after a 3-1 win over Georgia on match one.Portugal earned a narrow 2-1 win in their openerCredit: GettyTurkey won 3-1 with a couple of stunning strikesCredit: RexMert Muldur got his nation off to the perfect start after 25 minutes when he thundered a volley into the top corner from just outside the corner.Georgia hit back before Arda Guler curled a goal of the tournament contender into the top left corner in the second half.A third then went in as Georgia sent their goalkeeper up for a last-minute corner to try and snatch an equaliser. Turkey’s best ever result at a Euros is a semi-final in 2008, and it is ironic that a year when no one considered them dark horses, they look their most dangerous since then.Read more on Euro 2024Portugal’s opening game proved to be a far harder road to victory.They went a goal behind against the Czech Republic before managing to get back into the game through an own goal minutes later.They had the ball in the net through Diogo Jota before the goal was ruled out for offside against Cristiano Ronaldo, whose presence on the pitch appeared to suffocate the attacking impetus of the team.But super-subs Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceicao combined off the bench to win the game and grab three crucial points for Portugal.Most read in Euro 2024Turkey Euro 2024 guideAFTER tournament semi-finals in 2002 and 2008, Turkey have suffered something of a lost decade in international football.

But they still have plenty of talent such as set piece specialist Hakan Calhanoglu and Arda Guler, who Jude Bellingham labelled the most gifted player he has ever seen.
MANAGER: Vincenzo Montella
Roma legend has had a mixed record in club management, but has excelled in his first international job with the Turks breezing past Croatia and Wales in qualifying.
STAR MAN: Hakan Calhanoglu
Known for his deadly free kicks, Calhanoglu helped Inter Milan to the Champions League final in 2023.
How Turkey attack
Turkey are patient in creating the correct shape to play through the thirds – but then aggressive when the attacking passing lanes open up.
As they move the ball into the middle they will use longer passes into wide areas where their wide attackers and full-backs look to overload the opposition.
How Turkey defend
Turkey have a lot of experienced and physical players who understand how to create pressing traps like this to force a mistake from the opposition.
They excel at creating a high defensive block, often forcing even the best teams to play long in order to neutralise it.
Read the full Turkey Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags

Portugal Euro 2024 guideCRISTIANO RONALDO remains the face of Portuguese football as the national team looks to win a second European Championship.
But the days when Portugal’s hopes would hang on Ronaldo, 39, alone are over as they have a squad packed with talent across the pitch.
MANAGER: Roberto Martinez
Former Everton, Wigan and Belgium boss is trying to put a more attacking stamp on a team that became increasingly dull under Euro 2016-winning predecessor Fernando Santos.
STAR MAN: Cristiano Ronaldo
Al-Nassr star remains an ever-present but PSG’s Goncalo Ramos and Liverpool’s Diogo Jota are both world class backups.
How Portugal attack
Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio and Joao Palhinha are all capable of building attacks from the back, given Portugal a unique dimension to their attack.
Attacking midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Joao Felix can cause any defence problems as they look to feed Ronaldo and/or Ramos.
How Portugal defend
In contrast to the approach under Santos, Portugal will play with a medium-to-high block and look to win possession up the field.
Players will press aggressively to provide support for Ronaldo, who clearly tends to do less work defensively.
Read the full Portugal Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags

EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSWhat does their form look like?Before Euro 2024, Portugal had won nine of their last ten games, with a number of these results ended in rousing wins for The Selecao.However, the one team they played from inside the top ten of Fifa’s rankings in that run, Croatia, they lost to.Meanwhile, Turkey had actually lost three of their last five, including a 6-1 thrashing by Austria and draw with Wales.At tournament football form and record goes out the window, and that is lucky for fans as this game may have been a foregone conclusion.When playing against one another, Portugal have beaten the Crescent-Stars seven times.Meanwhile they have only suffered two defeats.What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?Turkey are unlikely to change a winning formula after their strong performance against Georgia.İrfan Can Kahveci, who missed that game through injury, is still doing light training so is unlikely to return to the fold.Meanwhile, Portugal may see fit to tweak their tactics after they had to throw the kitchen sink in their first game to get anything from it.Goncalo Inacio could be a more natural fit for the team if they elect to switch to a back four, likely with Diogo Dalot dropping out.Who will be the star men?Arda GulerAt just 19 years old, Real Madrid star Guler is carrying the hopes of his country on his shoulders.His screamer against Georgia showed he is not one to shy away from the occasion, and a strong performance against Portugal will be vital if they are to get anything from the game.Bruno FernandesWhile Ronaldo is leading the line for his nation once again, it it the stars around him carrying the load of the performance.That includes midfielders such as Bruno Fernandes, who is among the most dangerous creative players in the world.What have the managers said?Turkey boss Vincenzo Montella called the opening win the “best present” he could have got from the game, and he has called on his players to achieve even more dreams by beating Portugal.He said: “Our dreams were very much focused on this (Georgia) match.”We managed to win [our first game of the tournament] for the first time, so there will be a lot of first times.”He added: “Then more dreams will emerge.”Vincenzo Montella called on his players to achieve more dreams this EurosCredit: RexRoberto Martinez said his starting XI did not matter and praised Portugal’s spiritCredit: GettyBelgium manager Roberto Martinez was more analytical of their opener.He said: “Today it’s not about assessing this game from the technical or tactical point of view.”We won because we showed resilience, willpower and belief. It’s the first time we’ve come from behind to win [under my tenure]. We believed, we showed incredible personality.”It’s a game where we had 13 corners; the Czech Republic had none. If we scored early we could have won by three or four goals. “The atmosphere was incredible. Our fans did not deserve to lose this game.”He added: “The important thing is not the starting eleven, but how the game ends. We showed we had prepared well.”SunSport predictionTurkey and Portugal both have an incredible level of firepower.We reckon this game will go down to the wire but Portugal’s quality should be made to count.Turkey 2-3 PortugalWhen is Turkey vs Portugal?
Portugal’s second Euro 2024 Group F clash against Turkey will take place on Saturday, June 22.
It is scheduled to get underway at 5pm BST – 6pm local time.
Signal Iduna Park – the home of Borussia Dortmund will is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host approximately 81, 365 passionate fans.
Fernando Santos’ side comfortably beat Turkey 3-1 when the sides last met in a 2022 World Cup semi-final play-off.
What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
Portugal vs Turkey will be broadcast on ITV 1 in the UK.
Fans can stream the entire action via ITV X which is available on a compatible tablet device or mobile phone.
Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute action of the whole match.
Can I watch it for FREE?YES!Portugal’s huge match against Turkey can be watched for FREE as long as you have a valid TV license in the UK.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhat are the odds?
Turkey – 24/5
Draw – 16/5
Portugal – 4/7
*Odds from William Hill are correct at time of publication More

IF you had said before the start of Euro 2024 that Belgium were staring down group stage elimination while Romania were looking to top the group, you would have been called mad.However, that is the exact reality we are witnessing in Group E.Romania celebrated a historic Euros win overCredit: RexMeanwhile, Belgium were left disappointed against SlovakiaCredit: RexFavourites Belgium were shocked with a 1-0 defeat against Slovakia in their opening game.They had more than enough chances to seal the deal, with Romelu Lukaku proving particularly profligate in front of goal.Belgium even had the ball in net TWICE, only for play to be called back for an offside and a controversial handball with a so-called “snickometer”.But for Slovakia, Ivan Schranz’s 7th minute strike was all they needed after pouncing on Jeremy Doku’s sloppy back pass into the penalty area.Read more Euro 2024 Statistically, it was the biggest upset in Euro’s history, with the Red Devils ranked third in Fifa’s global rankings and the Falcons ranked 48th at the time.Meanwhile, Romania currently sit 47th in the rankings and smashed three past Ukraine in their opening match.The Tricolours were not expected to make waves at this tournament – having only progressed into the knockout’s once (in 2000) previously – but two screamers and an expertly worked corner saw them rocket to the top of the group.Now the two sides meet with vastly different fates on the line, we take a look at the two teams going into the clash.Most read in FootballBelgium Euro 2024 guideBELGIUM blend youth and experience as they look to win their first international trophy

Romelu Lukaku has seen it all, and scored 14 goals in qualifying, while Man City’s Jeremy Doku, 21, will hope to announce himself on the international stage.
MANAGER: Domenico Tedesco
Maverick Italian coach impressed at club level with Schalke 04 and RB Leipzig.
STAR MAN: Jeremy Doku
The winger provided an extra dimension to Man City as they beat Arsenal to the title and should be an ever-present in the Red Devils’ line-up at Euro 2024.
How Belgium attack
Belgium look to ensure they have control of the ball before playing in more advanced areas of the pitch.
One possession is secure, they will overload with as many as five players tasked with keeping the opposition defence occupied.
How Belgium defend
Belgium’s ageing Golden Generation will form a 4-3-3 mid-block and will not be overly aggressive in the press.
They are comfortable dropping deep and looking to force the opposition to play wide.
Read the full Belgium Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags

Romania Euro 2024 guideFORMER World Cup quarter-finalists Romania are back after eight years without qualifying for a tournament.
They aren’t pretty to watch but they are effective and topped their qualifying group unbeaten ahead of Switzerland.
MANAGER: Edward Iordanescu
His father Anghel managed them at the 1994 World Cup where they reached the last eight. Tough act to follow.
STAR MAN: Radu Dragusin
Has struggled to win a first team place at Spurs but has been a stalwart at international level.
How Romania attack
Romania will play out from the back and play one or two-touch passes to break between the lines.
However, they can run out of ideas when faced with a low block.
How Romania defend
Romania do not tend to press high as a unit and their players can be dragged out of position up the pitch.
However, they are far more effective close to their own goal with the midfield dropping deep to support the back four.
Read the full Romania Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups and latest odds

EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSWhat does their form look like?Before their defeat to Slovakia, Belgium were unbeaten since their second game at the 2022 World Cup.However, at tournament football such a record counts for squat.In Romania’s case, before Ukraine they were actually on a four-game winless run.In fact, they had won just four of their last ten matches.It is their head-to-head record which turns up more even interesting results.The record stands at five wins for each with two draws.They have only met twice in the 21st century, with friendly games ending 2-1 with a win apiece.Romania are actually something of a bogey team for Belgium, with only one defeat against them in their last five meetings. What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?Belgium will be sweating on the fitness of Arthur Theate and Jan Vertonghen after their Yannick Carrasco left-back gambit failed to pay off.Youri Tielemans is another who could be brought into the team to add more creative spark.Otherwise it is the same as before.Likewise, Romania emerged from their Ukraine win injury free.However, veteran striker Denis Alibec is eyeing a return from injury.Though it is unlikely Romania will tinker with their winning formula given what is at stake.Who will be the star men?Kevin De BruyneDespite Belgium being unable to get the ball into the net (legally) there was no shortness of creativity from midfield.Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne was still the creative heartbeat of the team and he will once again be expected to fulfil that role against Romania.Nicolae StanciuNicolae Stanciu’s stunning opening goal saw him lead the way for his nation against Ukraine.He would have already earned hero status for that alone, even forgetting his exploits as their top scorer in qualifying, and if he can do it again he might go down as a Euro 2024 icon.What have the managers said?Following their opening defeat, Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco refused to blame VAR for the loss and said he want’s to be a fair loser.He said: “It’s tough for me to speak now. If we would have won, I could probably share my opinion a little more. “But we lost and I want to be a good or at least a fair loser; we shouldn’t be talking about VAR. “We trust these guys, we trust the VAR and the referees and if they blow and say it’s handball we have to trust and accept it and that’s that…”Everyone is disappointed but I think you can harness that and make use of this defeat. We weren’t able to win the game, but there are positives we can take away.”Domenico Tedesco took the positives from the Slovakia gameCredit: GettyEdward Iordanescu called his Romania team the ‘generation of souls’Credit: AlamyRomania manager Edward Iordanescu was in a jubilant mood after beating Ukraine, and even went as far as calling this team the “generation of soul”.He said: “Today I felt some feelings for the first time. I lost control of myself. I would like to thank every Romanian, everywhere in the world…”We have had golden generations but this nation does not represent any metal. “It is the generation of soul. Such a big heart, such a soul, no one has ever had that. “This generation is limitless. They have done so much. They ran until they fell over.”SunSport predictionBelgium are a wounded foe after their shock defeat in the opener, while Romania are on a high.For all of Romania’s quality, Belgium will be desperate for a result and surely won’t get as unlucky as they did against Slovakia again.Belgium 3-1 RomaniaWhen is Belgium vs Romania?
Belgium’s big clash against Romania will take place on Saturday, June 22.
The game will kick off at 8pm BST.
The RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, Germany will play host to the game.
What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
Belgium vs Romania will be shown live on ITV1 and ITV1 HD in the UK.
You can live stream the action from the ITV X app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
Can I watch for FREE?
Yes, you can watch the game for FREE, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
READ MORE SUN STORIESOdds
Belgium – 1/2
Draw – 10/3
Romania – 6/1
*Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

POLAND continue their Euro 2024 campaign with a huge Group D clash against Austria.The Eagles kicked off their tournament with a narrow 2-1 loss to the Netherlands.Poland were beaten by a late Netherlands strike in their Group D openerCredit: REUTERSFrance beat Austria 1-0 on Monday nightCredit: REUTERSA late Wout Weghorst strike gave the Dutch all three points in their Group D opener.Poland were without captain Robert Lewandowski for the Netherlands clash – but the starman is expected to return for Friday’s clash.Meanwhile, Austria began their tournament with a respectable 1-0 loss to Euro 2024 favourites France.It’s looking like Poland and Austria’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages will be reliant on finishing as one of the best four third-placed sides.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSWhen is Poland vs Austria?
Poland vs Austria will take place on Friday, June 21.
The game will kick off at 5pm BST.
The Olympiastadion in Berlin will play host to the Group D clash.
What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
Poland’s big clash against Austria will be shown live on ITV1 and ITV1 HD in the UK.
You can live stream all the action from the ITV X app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
Can I watch for FREE?
Yes, Poland vs Austria is FREE to watch, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action.
Team newsThe big news for Poland is that talisman Lewandowski is set to return to action after he took part in training earlier this week.Most read in Football33-year-old defender Bartosz Salamon is a doubt for the Eagles due to hurting his ankle against the Dutch.Austria gaffer Ralf Rangnick is not expecting to have any fresh injury concerns for the all-important Group D clash on Friday.Odds
Poland – 13/5
Draw – 13/5
Austria – 21/20
*Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication. More