Sensational strikes from Mert Muldur and Real Madrid’s wonder-kid Arda Guler helped Turkey see off a determined Georgia side, making their first appearance at a major tournament.
Here are five key takeaways from the Group F opener.
1. Sensational start for Turkiye
Turkiye kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with 3-1 victory over Georgia in what was a breath-taking match from start to finish. Turkiye took the lead in the 25th minute through Muldur’s wonderful volley. Georgia hit back through Mikautadze but another spectacular effort from Guler put Turkiye back in front before second half substitute Kerem Akturkoglu wrapped things up with a break-away goal in stoppage time.
2. Heartbreak for Georgia
The Euro 2024 debutants put up a highly spirited display against Turkiye but it wasn’t enough on the day as they eventually succumbed to a 3-1 defeat at the BVB Stadion in Dortmund. Georgia contributed their fair share of action in an absolutely enthralling encounter, applying all the pressure late on as they looked to get an equalizer before Akturkoglu’s stoppage time goal put the match beyond their reach.
3. Young talents shine for Turkiye
Turkiye’s youngsters Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz put on a spectacular show as they dispatched Georgia in their Group F opener. Guler capped an excellent performance with a spectacular strike in the 65th minute to restore Turkiye’s lead, before going off to a standing ovation in the 79th minute. While Juventus youngster Yildiz, was a constant threat upfront for Turkiye and had a goal chopped off for offside.
4. Georges Mikautadze stands out for Georgia
All eyes were on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia before the game as the Napoli star was expected to be Georgia’s main man upfront but it was his compatriot Georges Mikautadze who stole the show for the debutants. The 23-year-old forward was in the perfect place to convert Giorgi Kochorashvili’s cutback in the 33rd minute, catching out the Turkiye goalkeeper at his near-post with a low, accurate finish to give Georgia their maiden goal at a major tournament.
5. Incredible atmosphere at the BVB Stadion in Dortmund
The atmosphere in Dortmund was arguably the best we have witnessed at the 2024 European Championships so far. Turkiye has huge support, bolstered by the large Turkish community in Germany. They arrived at the stadium hours in advance, braving severe weather conditions and generated a tremendous noise inside the stadium. Meanwhile, Georgia also had substantial traveling support, though it was hard to gauge their exact numbers since both fan bases wore red and white. There were few neutral spectators present as well