Portugal take on Turkey in crucial World Cup play-off

European champions face tough test in Istanbul

Portugal will be looking to take a big step towards reaching the 2022 World Cup when they face Turkey in the first leg of their play-off tie on Thursday.

The match will be played in Istanbul and Portugal will be confident of getting a positive result against a Turkey side who have not been in great form in recent months.

Portugal have won seven of their nine matches against Turkey, with Turkey winning only two and losing the other two.

One of Portugal's victories against Turkey came in the semi-finals of the 2016 European Championship, which Portugal went on to win.

Portugal will be without Cristiano Ronaldo for the match, but they still have a number of talented players, including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Diogo Jota.

Turkey will be looking to cause an upset and they will be hoping to take advantage of the fact that Portugal will be without Ronaldo.

The match is likely to be a close one and it could go either way.