Altay Bayindir’s previous competitive game of football was at Newport County. However, it was more Rodney Trotter than Rodney Parade.

Bayindir had raced from his goal but failed to communicate with defender Samet Akaydin, resulting in a trickling backpass that crossed the line despite the efforts of Bayindir and Mehmet Celik. Bernardo Silva had emphasized the need to get more players into scoring positions to support Ronaldo after Portugal’s late win over the Czech Republic.

Seven minutes before Portugal’s second goal, he practiced what he preached. Turkey boss Vincenzo Montella had made four changes from their previous match, including Bayindir’s inclusion.

In the opening stages, Turkey showed promise, with Kerem Akturkoglu coming close to scoring before being knocked off balance by Cancelo. Despite Akturkoglu being a leading light for Turkey in the first half, their defensive problems were evident, and the game was put beyond their grasp 11 minutes into the second half.

Ronaldo, no longer possessing his former pace, caught Silva’s fine pass and scored after being played onside by Celik. The remainder of the game focused on trying to get Ronaldo the goal he missed, but he mistimed his jump following a brilliant cross from Silva.

The game stopped resembling a contest and was repeatedly delayed by lone fans invading the pitch for selfies with Ronaldo. Silva almost scored a second goal late in the game after linking with Ronaldo.

Throughout the game, Turkey’s defense showed as much charity as Ronaldo did to a young supporter.