Turkey scored two purpose of the match contenders as they began their Euro 2024 marketing campaign with a 3-1 win over fearless newcomers Georgia.
Vincenzo Montella’s aspect made a powerful begin in Dortmund and, after Kaan Ayhan struck the woodwork, they established a deserved lead with one of many crispest strikes of the match to date.
A cross from Ferdi Kadioglu was headed away into the trail of Mert Muldur, who discovered the highest proper nook with a surprising first-time volley.
With the Georgia defence nonetheless reeling from the opener, Kenan Yildiz was denied a second inside two minutes after a VAR evaluation noticed he had strayed offside earlier than a close-range end.
Willy Sagnol’s aspect subsequently took benefit of the reprieve, with Georges Mikautadze beating Mert Gunok at his close to publish to attain the nation’s first purpose at a serious worldwide match.
The momentum started to sway in Turkey’s favour after the break, however Georgia nearly saved them at bay – till Guler discovered a pocket of area on the best, drove to the sting of the field and curled a magnificence into the highest nook.
The 19-year-old turned simply the third teenager to attain on their first look within the Euros, after Ferenc Bene for Hungary in opposition to Spain in 1964 and Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal in opposition to Greece in 2004.
Nonetheless Georgia pushed. Giorgi Kochorashvili struck the crossbar, earlier than a mix-up between himself and Mikautadze noticed a late probability come and go, and a free-kick was bounced onto the right-hand publish and away.
However within the ultimate levels, Gunok punched a nook clear and, together with his reverse quantity Giorgi Mamardashvili having come ahead for the set-piece, Kerem Akturkoglu raced clear in direction of an open purpose and slotted in to seal the win.
How Muldur’s stunner put Turkey in entrance
And the way Guler added a sensational second
Arda Guler’s beautiful long-range strike
