The Turkish national team started their participation in Euro 2024 with a victory after defeating Georgia 3-1 in their first match of the continental championship. The goals for the winners were scored by Mert Müldür, Arda Güler and Kerem Aktürkoğlu, who sealed the final result deep in added time. For Georgia, Zhorzhi Mikautadze was on target.
The team coached by Vincenzo Montella started aggressively and immediately put pressure on their opponents. Shots towards Mamardashvili were not long in coming. Ayhan headed over the bar from a corner, while an attempt by Çalhanoğlu was blocked. In the 10th minute, a good attack by the Turks ended with a low shot from Ayhan, which hit the right post behind the opponent’s goalkeeper. Georgia quickly responded and a shot by Mekvabishvili was deflected and Günok had to make a save.
The tempo at the beginning of the match was very high, and the main reason for this was the Turks, who definitely dominated. Mamardashvili had to intervene again in the 14th minute, when he dealt with a powerful shot by Yıldız from a tight angle. Turkey pressed and looked for gaps in the opponent’s defense, but the Georgians managed to cope, although they played with the ball much less often.
Turkey’s dominance paid off in the 25th minute when Müldür opened the scoring with a fantastic strike. After an attempt to clear, the ball went to the defender around the edge of the penalty area, and he directed it superbly from the air into the net. For him, this was his first goal for the national team since 2021.
The goal inspired the Turks even more and they immediately organized a beautiful quick attack finished by Kenan Yıldız. However, after a VAR review, the goal was disallowed for offside.
This development not only did not break the Georgians, but also motivated them and they managed to equalize quite quickly. In the 32nd minute, Kociashvili did an excellent job and found Mikautadze, who surprised Günok with a low shot at the near post.
This was Georgia’s first goal at the European finals in their first match. Shortly after the goal, Turkey could have scored another one. However, a volley from Mikautadze went past the goal.
After the strong end of the first half, Georgia came out much more confident after the break. However, Turkey had a chance shortly after the restart. However, a cross from Yılmaz seemed to surprise Müldür and he was unable to trouble Mamardashvili. Kvaratskhelia was causing problems for the Turkish defense and after his breakthrough he found Mikautadze. However, his shot was blocked after two defenders threw themselves in to stop him.
The two teams offered a lot of excitement to the fans at the stadium in Dortmund, as they played fast, attacking football. The Georgian goalkeeper had to intervene after a powerful free-kick from Çalhanoğlu, as the ball was going straight towards him and he had to react quickly. However, Mamardashvili could do nothing in the 65th minute when Arda Güler scored an incredible goal. The Real Madrid talent was given space in front of the penalty area and with a brilliant effort directed the ball into the net.
The Turks were inspired again and, just like after the first goal, they quickly had a chance to take a two-goal lead. However, Orkun Kökçü failed to find the target from a good position. Georgia could have equalized in the 70th minute. Kociashvili brilliantly broke through the center, overcoming the opponent’s defense, but his shot ended up in the top corner.
A short lull followed and a series of substitutions in both teams. During this period, the Turks did not allow Georgia to threaten Günok. Substitute Yusuf Yazıcı forced Mamardashvili to make another excellent save. In added time, Vili Saniol’s team pressed hard and had a “golden” opportunity near the end. However, Kociashvili sent the ball past the goal.
Seconds later, Muhammed Aktürkoğlu took advantage of the fact that all of Georgia’s players were in Turkey’s half for a corner, including goalkeeper Mamardashvili. So the Turkish national advanced with the ball at his feet and finished for 3-1.
The Turks will face Portugal in their next UEFA EURO 2024 match on June 22nd. Georgia will play the Czech Republic on the same day.
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