Turkey 3-1 Georgia: Guler scores stunner as Turkey win thriller in Euros opener

A stunning long-range strike from teenager Arda Guler helped Turkey defeat debutants Georgia 3-1 in their Euro 2024 Group F opener on Tuesday at a raucous Dortmund BVB Stadion.

Guler became the youngest player to score on his Euro debut at 19 years and 114 days, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo's record, in between goals for Turkey from Mert Muldur and Kerem Akturkoglu, with Georges Mikautadze replying for Georgia.

Arguably the best game of the tournament thus far, it featured everything from great goals to shots flying off the woodwork to late drama in an intense atmosphere created by deafening Turkish fans, owing to Germany's large Turkish population.

Turkey had more possession, but they were often exposed in defence and had to dig deep as Georgia gave everything they had, threatening an equaliser with a flurry of attacks deep into added time that left Turkish fans desperate for the final whistle.

After Giorgi Kochorashvili hit the woodwork with a close-range effort, Georgia squandered a golden opportunity when Kochorashvili and teammate Georges Mikautadze collided while attempting to cross from close range.

Six minutes into added time, substitute Zuriko Davitashvili's header hit the post, and Samet Akaydin made a goal-saving block to deny Budu Zivzivadze on the rebound.

Turkey had more possession early on, and after Kaan Ayhan hit the post with a long-range strike, Muldur gave Turkey a well-deserved lead in the 25th minute, smashing a swerving volley past keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Kenan Yildiz thought he had scored Turkey's second goal a little more than a minute later during a quick counterattack, but it was called back for offside.

Georgia, competing in their first major tournament, drew level in the 32nd minute when Mikautadze turned Kochorashvili's cross past Mert Gunok, who should have done better covering his near post.

Turkey looked more lively in the second half and regained control of the game, cornering Georgia with relentless high pressure while leaving themselves vulnerable to counterattacks on both wings.

It wasn't until 19-year-old Guler, fresh off a run of goals for Real Madrid, scored in the 65th minute that Turkey managed to convert their dominance into a second goal.

Guler, who was named man of the match, hit an unstoppable curling shot into the top corner beyond keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili's reach, demonstrating why Real Madrid fans are so excited about his potential.

"I am just thrilled, no words to describe how I feel. I was dreaming of this goal constantly," Guler told Turkish TV.

"I've been practising this particular shot recently at the end of training sessions. I'm so happy to have scored this way."

Georgia pushed for a late equaliser, but as Mamardashvili came all the way upfield for a series of corners, Akturkoglu broke away, dashed down the other end, and passed the ball into an empty net to make it 3-1 in additional time.

Turkey will play Portugal on Saturday, following Georgia's match against the Czech Republic.

SportsLigue