World Cup date of destiny for Reds on Thursday

PORTUGAL V TURKEY

There is huge focus on Portugal’s prospects of making the finals with Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot in the squad for the clash with Turkey in Lisbon. A Bola newspaper expects all three Reds to make the starting XI, with Danilo dropping into defence in the absence of Joao Cancelo and Pepe.

Ronaldo is set to skipper the side and lead from the front, and he posted on social media: “It’s no secret to anyone: representing my country is always a very special moment for me.” In a message to the fans, he continued: “Believe in us, believe in our national team. We will do everything to respond to your support.”

If Portugal get past Turkey at the Estadio do Dragao, they will face the victors of Italy’s home game with North Macedonia in a winner-takes-all scenario next Tuesday night.