Ronaldo Shows Emre The Way Home!

Last updated : 08 June 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor
Those fearing a tight, tactical battle as is often the case early on in major tournaments would have been highly impressed by Portugal's attacking credentials as they overran their limited opponents, with Ronaldo once again the centre of attention.

He may not have got on the scoresheet - he came mighty close with a superb free-kick which came back off the post - but his ability to ghost past players and bring others into the game was just as crucial for Portugal as his goals have been for Manchester United.

But he was not the only Premier League star who shone, as Chelsea fans got a glimpse of what to expect from their new full-back Jose Bosingwa.

He has pace, power and strength, and looked a threat going forward too and Stamford Bridge punters could be in for a treat next season - Bosingwa could be the man to make the problematic right-back slot his own.

A man who tried, but ultimately failed in that position for the Blues is Paulo Ferreira. He performed solidly at left-back for the Portuguese, although he was never really tested by the Turks.

The same applies to Ricardo Carvalho who was his usual commanding self at the heart of the defence, as his marauding partner Pepe grabbed the headlines by opening the scoring.

Emre looked lost in midfield and was outclassed by Portugal's pace and passing, and as a result, Middlesbrough's Tuncay was denied the service he thrives on.

Having joined Newcastle in a £3.8m move from Inter Milan three years ago, Emre leaves Tyneside after Euro 2008 - and it could be less than a week away - having made 80 appearances for the club.

The little midfielder looks to be heading home soon as Portugal outclassed Turkey.

He will be remembered primarily for the free-kick winner that earned a 3-2 derby victory over Sunderland in October 2005, as well as the last-gasp strike that secured an equally dramatic 3-2 win over Reading in December 2006.

However, his time in the North-East was peppered with lengthy injury layoffs.

He has agreed a three-year contract in Istanbul, and his move will be the source of consternation in the Turkish capital.

Emre previously spent four seasons with Galatasaray, one of Fenerbahce's fiercest rivals.