Teenager Arda Guler made an impressive European Championship debut, scoring a crucial goal as Turkey clinched a thrilling Group F victory over Georgia in Dortmund.
Turkey’s Mert Muldur opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a stunning volley into the top corner, leaving Georgia’s goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili with no chance to save it.
However, Georgia responded quickly, with Georges Mikautadze netting their first-ever goal in a major tournament, expertly steering Giorgi Kochorashvili’s cross into the near corner just seven minutes later.
In the 65th minute, Real Madrid forward Guler, became the third teenager to score on his Euros debut, launching a magnificent, curling shot from 25 yards into the top corner.
Despite being newcomers to the Euros, Georgia showed remarkable resilience and nearly equalized. They came close when Kochorashvili missed a late chance after previously hitting the bar.
In a dramatic final sequence, Georgia hit the post and saw a goal-bound shot from Budu Zivzivadze blocked by Samet Akaydin in the fifth minute of added time.
Turkey sealed the win in the dying moments as substitute Kerem Akturkoglu broke free and, with keeper Mamardashvili up for a corner, slotted the ball into an empty net.
Dortmund’s famous yellow wall turned red with Turkish fans celebrating wildly as their team, managed by Vincenzo Montella on his 50th birthday, secured a vital three points.
Turkey aims to continue their winning streak on Saturday against Portugal, while Georgia will face the Czech Republic.
Guler Surpasses Ronaldo in Spectacular Performance
Guler, who became the first Turkish player to win the Champions League with Real Madrid, lived up to his high expectations at Euro 2024.
Displaying his skills in the first half, the “Turkish Messi” truly shone in the second half. In classic Messi fashion, Guler picked up the ball on the right, cut inside, and unleashed an unstoppable left-footed shot into the top corner, mesmerizing spectators despite the pouring rain in Dortmund.
At 19 years and 114 days, he broke Cristiano Ronaldo’s record as the youngest player to score on his debut in the competition, a record previously set against Greece in 2004 when Ronaldo was 19 years and 128 days old.
Guler’s brilliant performance underscored why Real Madrid secured him with a six-year contract, rejecting loan offers after signing him from Fenerbahce.
His goal gave Turkey the upper hand in a closely contested match, and he is now set to be a key player for a team that reached the Euro 2008 semi-finals.
Despite the defeat, Georgia can take pride in their historic performance under coach Willy Sagnol, who led his team to a play-off final victory over Greece in March. The French coach vowed his team would give their all in their first major tournament, and they did just that.
Georgia will carry many positives into their next match, even if they left Dortmund without any points.
