portugal-ronaldo.jpg
Getty Images

The path of death might sound like something you'd find in one of the lesser entries of the Indiana Jones franchise but for Portugal and Turkey that is what they find themselves on as they bid to reach the World Cup. The winner of this tie will host Italy or North Macedonia in an elimination match for a spot in Qatar but both sides will know that this match alone represents quite the test.

Portugal have not missed a World Cup this century and have the greatest scorer in men's international football, Cristiano Ronaldo, in their side. Turkey's recent pedigree is not quite as impressive but it is not for nothing this side was widely dubbed the dark horses for Euro 2020, a label they emphatically failed to live up to. Here is how you can watch the match and what you need to know:

Viewing information

Date: Thursday, March 24 | Time: 3:45 p.m. ET
Location: Estadio do Dragao -- Porto, Portugal
TV: ESPN2 | Live stream: fuboTV (try for free)
Odds: Portugal -286; Draw +380; Turkey +800 (via Caesars Sportsbook)

Storylines

Portugal: Fernando Santos has built his most successful sides on a robust defense that gives little to the opposition in terms of shots. Perhaps then it does not bode well for Portugal that they are without the suspended Joao Cancelo and their first choice center back pairing. Ruben Dias has an injury while Pepe was diagnosed with COVID-19, forcing Santos to call up Lille's Tiago Djalo.

The 38 year old Jose Fonte seems a likely starter, paired with a debutant in either Djalo or Sporting's Goncalo Inicio. Further forward an attack with the likes of Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Diogo Jota and Bruno Fernandes looks intimidating but if they cannot keep the ball from the other half of the pitch it could be a long day for Portugal.

Turkey: Stefan Kuntz has no such significant selection headaches but the former Germany Under-21 manager is still working to help his side recover some of their enthusiasm after a Euro 2020 campaign that promised much fell apart in humiliating fashion. Since then Turkey have beaten Gibraltar twice and struggled to claim three points in Latvia and Montenegro, though ultimately that was enough to secure second place ahead of Norway in a tough Group G.

"When you start the match, you have to play like a child," said Kuntz. "You want to go out on the field and play football ... It's important to be able to do what's in your mind and heart against an opponent like Portugal. You should have fun playing."

Prediction

That Portugal backline might just creak enough to cost them the game. It's a long shot but why shouldn't Turkey take this to the wire? PICK: Portugal 2 Turkey 2 (Turkey win on penalties)