Portugal enjoyed 62% of possession in that first-half. They also had eight shots, with four of those on target. Six shots and three on target for Turkey – only one of those caused Costa any sort of problems. They’ve got it all to do after the break.
That’s a great 45 minutes from Portugal in front of their home fans. Dominated from the very first minute and they have their reward. Otavio put them in front, Jota then doubled the lead with a great header. As it stands, it’s Portugal going through to the World Cup play-off final.
Guerreiro’s initial cross was cleared away, but Portugal keep the pressure on. Otavio stands up a wonderful ball to the back post, Jota gets incredible power on the header and beats Cakir at the near post. Bernardo Silva has space to pick the pass, looks to slide the ball through to Fernandes… nowhere near enough on it.
Man City midfielder immediately holds his hands up, he knows there was a decent chance there. Turkey free-kick, cleverly taken to Under and he whips a wonderful ball into the six-yard box. Great defending to hook that away from danger and now Portugal can break. Bruno Fernandes has Jota making the run in the middle, ball is behind him though and Kabak is there to intercept.
Has time to take a touch, look up and decide which of the three Portugal players in the box to pick out. He opts for Jota, who slips as he volleys an effort at goal and it bounces over the bar.
Here is Gareth Bale goal against Austria….
According to Ancelotti, Vinicius Jr, Asensio and Rodrigo are better players than him. pic.twitter.com/uzyB25spPk
— Albanus 10 (@Kiswili_10) March 24, 2022
Gareth Bale has yet again produced the goods for Wales when they need him most, this time scoring a stunning free-kick to put Wales a step closer to the World Cup.
Real Madrid star Bale got them off to the perfect start, with his beautiful free-kick nestling itself into the top corner.
GARETH BALE! OUT OF THIS WORLD ? pic.twitter.com/JcNsViMiMp
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 24, 2022