Portugal opened up a two-goal lead in their Euro 2024 match against Turkey in bizarre fashion, but those watching the game weren’t able to see all the action in real time
Football fans watching Turkey’s Euro 2024 match against Portugal missed an own goal from Samet Akaydin – because the cameras were focused on Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Turkish defender played a pass back to goalkeeper Altay Bayindir without looking, and the ball trickled into the back of the net despite the efforts of team-mate Zeki Celik. Viewers were in the dark, though, with Ronaldo the focus of the camera crew.
Portugal went 2-0 up through the goal, with Bernardo Silva having fired them in front moments earlier. The Manchester CIty star lashed the ball into the back of the net after a cross evaded Ronaldo and fell into his path.
Viewers were left frustrated by the incident, making their feelings known on social media. Commentators on ITV explained they were not in control of the feed, though, and a full version of the goal was shown during the half-time break.
Ronaldo’s frustrations came after a quick break appeared to have been wasted. The Al-Nassr striker called for an early ball from team-mate Joao Cancelo, only for the right-back to fail to find him.
The chance appeared to have gone, with the TV director focusing on the remonstrations between the two Portugal stars. Seconds later, though, a mix-up from their opponents saw the ball cross the goal-line.
“Maddest of own goals. ITV was to busy concentrating on Ronaldo having a tantrum,” one fan wrote on social media. “Extremely disappointing that we missed a hilarious own goal because Ronaldo’s hissy fit was more important,” wrote another,
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“Great camera work there all because ITV wanted a shot of Ronaldo crying we missed the funniest moment of the tournament,” wrote another. However, the UK broadcaster was not responsible for the choices made by the director.
Later on, the cameras missed another on-field moment as a fan ran onto the pitch for a selfie with Ronaldo. This time, though, ITV’s commentators were on-hand to talk through the action not shown on screen.
While fans weren’t happy to miss the goal, Portugal won’t have been complaining too much. Early in the second half they had a third goal, with Ronaldo left all alone to roll the ball across for a Bruno Fernandes tap-in.
Portugal beat the Czech Republic in their opening game, and that third goal put them well on their way to a second straight win to march through to the round of 16. Turkey will now need to get something against the Czechs in their final group game.
Despite a near-perfect first half for Portugal, there was one low point. Rafael Leao was shown a yellow card for the second straight game, meaning he misses the final group match against Georgia.
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