Portugal beats Turkey 2-0 in their Euro 2008 opener

Source: Agencies  |   2008-6-8  |     ONLINE EDITION

PORTUGAL'S start at this year's European Championship was far better than four years ago. It hopes the end result will be, too.

Pepe and Raul Meireles scored second-half goals yesterday to give Portugal a 2-0 win over Turkey in Group A, a much better outcome than the 1-0 loss to Greece at Euro 2004.

Portugal recovered from that defeat to Greece, the eventual champions, with a memorable campaign that led to a runner-up finish, and players are hoping this year's improved start can also lead to an improved result - the team's coveted first international title.

"It was a great start," right back Jose Bosingwa said. "We knew we had to begin with a good result. The victory was the most important thing, that's what we wanted and we are happy we got it."

Pepe, a Brazil-born central defender playing in his first major competition for Portugal, scored from inside the area after a one-two with striker Nuno Gomes. Pepe beat defender Emre Asik to the ball and sent a right-footed shot into the net.

Meireles added another in injury time after Cristiano Ronaldo began a late break, then passed to Joao Moutinho, who got the ball back to Meireles for the goal.

"I can hardly describe the emotion I'm feeling," Pepe said. "We played as a real team and that's important. We knew sooner or later we would score a goal. Today, I must stress that it was the team spirit that prevailed. We deserve to be congratulated for our great display."

The victory comes as a boost for Portugal, which is hoping to repeat its successful campaigns at Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup. The Portuguese reached the semifinals of the World Cup in Germany, losing to France.

"I don't think this victory makes us a favorite," Ronaldo said. "We have to think one game at a time. But it was important to play well and keep us motivated for the rest of the competition."