Portugal vs. Turkey: Score, Highlights, Twitter Reaction and Analysis

Cristiano Ronaldo's failure to produce has been the biggest reason the Portuguese have struggled, and it's why Turkey handed them another defeat today.

Portugal's attack missed opportunities and Turkey rode two goals from Umut Bulut to a win in the friendlies match from Estadio da Luz. An own goal was added late, and Turkey won, 3-1.

The match was spirited and competitive in the first half, but Bulut's breakthrough goal set the tone, and Portugal continued to struggle to put the ball in the net. They were finally able to score a goal, breaking their four-plus match scoreless streak. Nani responded to Bulut's second goal in the 57th minute, but that would be it.

Ronaldo missed a free kick in the first half that could have tied the match. He squandered another opportunity to draw Portugal even in the second half when he was turned away on a penalty kick.

Turkey was a bit sloppy, especially in the second half. They allowed Portugal opportunities to draw even with multiple fouls, but Portugal could not take advantage. 

This is just another defeat for the Portuguese, and their brightest star didn't help his team's struggling attack with a goal. How long before Ronaldo really begins to feel the heat for not delivering?

This is a fickle sport, like most, and fans will begin to be more critical if the results don't change. Portugal has now won only one of their last six matches.

Here is a deeper look at the match, starting with the Twitter story.

Tweets of the Night

The Iron Turk was on-point, even if he's obviously a little biased, when he tweeted:

Turkey have been growing in confidence since around maybe the 10 minute mark I want to say.

— Ata Dizdar (@ironturk) June 2, 2012

Tom Kundert of Portugal.net chimes in on Ronaldo's near miss just before halftime:

So close to Portugal goal! Ronaldo, played in by beautifully by Moutinho, denied by Turkey goalkeeper.

— Tom Kundert (@portugoaldotnet) June 2, 2012

Brooks DT seems to think, or possibly speculate, that Portugal is attempting to work the kinks out before Euro 2012:

Pepe own goal, Ronaldo penalty miss and it seems Portugal trying to live their nightmares before Euro 12 begins.

— dirtytackle (@BrooksDT) June 2, 2012

Must-See Highlight

Bulut's right-footed blast was easily the goal of the match, and it turned out to be the match-winner:

Grades for Key Portuguese Players

Cristiano Ronaldo: B-

Ronaldo was active, and he did set Nani up for Portugal's lone goal, but standards are high for him. He is one of the three best players in the world and he went without a goal again.

His team's attack is struggling, and he hasn't stepped up in the past five matches.

Nani: A

He scored his club's only goal, and gave Portugal a glimmer of hope, but it wasn't enough.

Grades for Key Turkish Players

Umut Bulut: A+

His two goals snapped a nasty scoreless streak for Turkey vs. Portugal, and he was the best player on the field today.

Volkan Demirel: B

Some of what happened for Demirel was luck, but he did make some solid plays. Despite being caught out of position a few times late, Portugal couldn't make him pay, and he escaped unscathed.

Deciding Factor: Portugal's Missed Opportunities

Turkey's ability to overcome fouls and penalty kicks was huge. Portugal had their opportunities, specifically Ronaldo, but they could not capitalize.

Match MVP: Umut Bulut

This is an easy one. He scored two goals, was active and had to be accounted for the entire match.

What's Next?

Turkey has to feel good about themselves, as they were not highly thought of coming in to this match. They certainly got the world's attention today, and Bulut was amazing.

As for Portugal, they have to have some legitimate concerns going into Euro 2012. The competition is only going to get tougher, and they simply aren't playing well right now.

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