Meeting in the first match of Group F of EURO 2024 on the evening of June 18, the Turkish team and Georgia brought fans an emotional ‘party’ with spirit and many fast plays. However, Arda Guler’s superb goal and Akturkoglu’s last-minute goal helped Türkiye have a breathtaking 3-1 victory over Georgia.

 

Coming to EURO 2024, the Turkish team is considered by experts to be worth watching. Coach Vincenzo Montella owns promising young players such as Kenan Yıldız, Orkun Kokcu, Arda Guler. In addition, midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, with his talent and stability for many years, is still the team’s No. 1 hope. If they play to their best ability, the ticket to qualify for the group stage is within reach of the Turkish team.

On the other hand, Georgia does not have many stars. The tournament in Germany is the first time they have participated in EURO as an independent country. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, with his brilliant performances for Napoli, is the biggest star that Georgia has. However, throughout the qualifying journey, the Georgian team has always shown determination and effort to the end. Before the match with Turkey, coach Willy Sagnol affirmed that he and his students will continue to bring that in the hope of creating a surprise.

Turkey (red shirt) and Georgia are both determined to get 3 points in the first match.

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With a superior midfield, the Turkish team confidently pressed and arranged attacks right after the opening whistle. As expected, Hakan Calhanoglu playing in the center still brought inspiration to the Turkish team. However, the Georgia team understood that, they retreated all 11 players to their own field and “concretely” defended.

The spectators at Signal Iduna Park did not have to wait long to stand up and cheer. In the 10th minute, the Turkish team attacked on the left wing and the ball suddenly bounced right to the edge of Georgia’s penalty area. Kaan Ayhan quickly unleashed a powerful low shot, goalkeeper Mamardashvili stood rooted to the spot but the ball hit the post.

Having escaped defeat, the Georgia team responded harshly. Exactly 2 minutes later, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia broke through in the middle, giving the ball to Mekvabishvili to finish. Georgia’s fans stood up, but the Turkish team’s goalkeeper was precise.

Kaan Ayhan (red shirt) makes the opponent’s goal shake

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Mekvabishvili (No. 20) also had an impressive shot

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After these two situations, the game completely belonged to the Turkish team. Coach Vincenzo Montella’s students held the ball up to 65% and continuously threatened the opponent’s goal. After a lot of effort, the red team broke through the Georgia team’s net in the 26th minute. The person who brought joy to the Turkish team was Mert Muldur with a beautiful outside kick. With high spirits, just 20 seconds after this goal, Kenan Yıldız had the ball into the Georgia net for the second time but unfortunately the goal was disallowed.

Mert Muldur (No. 18) has an unbelievable masterpiece

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Turkish fans witness Mert Muldur’s goal

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Despite the suffocating pressure, the Georgian team still showed great spirit. The white team’s attack always chased the opponent and cherished the rare moments of possession. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was expected to be the most, but when this player was still closely marked, his teammates spoke up at the right time.

In the 32nd minute, Kochorashvili suddenly dribbled the ball on the right wing and crossed it deep inside. Taking advantage of the Turkish defense’s carelessness, Mikautadze scored with one precise touch, bringing an emotional 1-1 equalizer for the Georgian team. Similar to the Turkish team’s goal, Mikautadze’s goal came at high speed, giving goalkeeper Mert Gunok no chance to block it.

Following this situation, Mikautadze had another golden opportunity to score in the 35th minute. However, the Georgia striker shot just wide.

Mikautadze’s emotional goal (no. 22)

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Georgia team still shows great spirit

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After a first half full of goals, speed and regret, the Turkish and Georgian teams continued their sublime performance in the second half. Adjustments were made by Turkish coach Vincenzo Montella and the team attacked more calmly. Hakan Calhanoglu, who had been outstanding since the start of the match, also tried his hand with a powerful free kick from about 30 meters in the 55th minute but could not beat the Georgian goalkeeper.

The match took place at top speed, the most awaited star of the match Arda Guler finally spoke. In the 65th minute, the “prodigy” of Turkish football dribbled the ball confidently on the right wing and then curled the ball from a distance of 26 meters, sending the ball straight into the dead corner of Georgia’s goal, increasing the score to 2-1.

Arda Guler’s masterpiece was recorded at a speed of 119 km/h

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The prodigy of Turkish football spoke up at the right time

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Learning from the first half, the Turkish team played more firmly after the goal. They held the ball and did not give their opponents many opportunities to counterattack. In the last minute of extra time of the match, after narrowly escaping defeat, the Turkish team scored a third goal thanks to Akturkoglu.

With a thrilling 3-1 victory over Georgia, the Turkish team has the first 3 points at EURO 2024, temporarily rising to the top of Group F. The opportunity to continue is also open for coach Vincenzo Montella and his team. In the next match, the Turkish team will face the strongest opponent in the group, Portugal. Meanwhile, Georgia will meet the Czech Republic.