Turkey Triumphs as Guler's Dazzling Performance Outshines Georgia
Right-back Mert Muldur gave Turkey an early lead in the 25th minute with an incredible volley into the top corner, leaving Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili helpless.
However, just seven minutes later, Georges Mikautadze scored Georgia's historic first goal in a major tournament, expertly directing Giorgi Kochorashvili's cross into the near corner.
In the 65th minute, Real Madrid forward Arda Guler became the third teenager to score on his Euros debut with a stunning curling strike from 25 yards into the top corner.
Playing in their first Euros, Georgia fought valiantly and nearly secured an equalizer. Willy Sagnol's team displayed heart and skill, with Kochorashvili hitting the bar and missing a late chance. In a frantic finale, they struck the post and saw Budu Zivzivadze's goalbound effort blocked by Samet Akaydin's head in the fifth minute of added time.
Turkey sealed the victory with the last kick of the game as substitute Kerem Akturkoglu broke clear and, with Mamardashvili up for a corner, rolled the ball into an empty net.
Dortmund's famous yellow wall turned red as Turkish fans celebrated wildly on manager Vincenzo Montella's 50th birthday, celebrating a valuable three points.
Turkey will aim for consecutive wins on Saturday against Portugal, while Georgia will face the Czech Republic. Guler, the first Turkish player to win the Champions League with Real Madrid in June, certainly lived up to the hype at Euro 2024.
In the first half, Guler showed glimpses of the talent that earned him the nickname "Turkish Messi," but it was in the second half when he truly stole the spotlight. In true Messi fashion, Guler picked up the ball on the right side, cut in on his left foot, and unleashed an unstoppable strike into the top corner, leaving spectators in awe in the pouring Dortmund rain.
At 19 years and 114 days, he became the youngest player to score on his Euros debut, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo's record of 19 years and 128 days set in 2004 against Greece.
His dazzling display justified Real Madrid's decision to sign him from Fenerbahce on a six-year contract, rejecting loan offers. Guler's goal gave Turkey the edge in a close contest, and he will now look to remain a key player for a side that reached the Euro 2008 semi-finals.
Despite the defeat, Georgia can take pride in their performance, having created history by beating Greece in a penalty shootout in the play-off final in March. Sagnol's men gave it their all from the first minute and will carry many positives into their next game despite leaving Dortmund without points.
Post a Comment