Euro 2024 Match Report: Turkey 3-1 Georgia

In a thrilling Group F opener at Euro 2024, Turkey defeated Georgia 3-1 at the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund. The match featured spectacular goals, historic moments, and high drama from start to finish.

First Half

Turkey began the match with high intensity and quickly imposed themselves on the game. In the 27th minute, Mert Müldür scored a stunning volley from outside the box, placing the ball in the top corner to give Turkey a 1-0 lead. Shortly after, Kenan Yildiz had a goal disallowed due to an offside call following a VAR review.

Georgia, making their debut in a major international tournament, responded admirably. In the 32nd minute, Georges Mikautadze scored Georgia’s first-ever goal in a major tournament, equalizing the score at 1-1. The goal resulted from a well-executed play involving Giorgi Kochorashvili, who assisted.

Second Half

Turkey regained control in the second half, highlighted by a moment of brilliance from Arda Güler in the 65th minute. The young Real Madrid star struck a sensational goal from nearly 30 yards out, curling the ball into the top corner to restore Turkey’s lead. This made Güler the youngest player to score on their debut in the European Championship.

Despite Georgia's efforts to find an equalizer, Turkey's defence remained solid. In the dying moments of the match, with Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili up for a corner, Turkey’s Kerem Aktürkoglu broke away and scored into an empty net, sealing the 3-1 victory for Turkey.

Key Players

• Arda Güler: The 19-year-old was instrumental in Turkey’s victory, scoring a crucial goal and creating multiple chances throughout the match. His performance highlighted his potential to be a cornerstone for Turkey in this tournament.
• Mert Müldür: His early goal set the tone for Turkey and showcased his ability to score from long range.
• Georges Mikautadze: Scoring Georgia’s first-ever goal in a major tournament, Mikautadze’s performance was a bright spot for the debutants.

Tactical Insights

Turkey's approach was pragmatic. It focused on maintaining defensive solidity while utilizing the creativity and attacking flair of young talents like Arda Güler and Kenan Yildiz. Coach Vincenzo Montella’s tactics were clear: control the midfield, press high, and capitalize on set pieces and counter-attacks. The early goal from Müldür provided the foundation for Turkey to dictate the game's pace.

On the other hand, Georgia displayed commendable resilience and tactical discipline, particularly in the first half. Their equalizer was a testament to their ability to exploit opportunities when presented. However, they struggled to contain Turkey’s dynamic forward play in the second half. Coach Willy Sagnol must address defensive lapses and improve the team's cohesion in their upcoming matches.

Match Statistics

• Shots: Turkey 20, Georgia 18
• Shots on Target: Turkey 10, Georgia 8
• Possession: Turkey 55%, Georgia 45%
• Fouls: Turkey 12, Georgia 14

Post-Match Reactions

Turkish coach Vincenzo Montella expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, particularly praising the contributions of the younger players. "Arda Güler’s goal was exceptional, and it shows our talent in this squad. The entire team played with heart and determination, which is exactly what we need in this tournament," Montella stated.

Georgian manager Willy Sagnol, while disappointed with the result, remained optimistic about his team's prospects. "This was a historic match for Georgia, and while the result was not what we wanted, the performance gives us hope. We need to build on this and come back stronger," Sagnol remarked.

Looking Ahead

Turkey’s victory sets a positive tone for its Euro 2024 campaign. It will look to carry this momentum into its next match, where it faces a challenging opponent in the Czech Republic. With young talents like Güler and Müldür stepping up, Turkey's prospects in the tournament appear promising.

Despite the loss, Georgia achieved a historic milestone by scoring their first goal in a major tournament. Their next match against Portugal will be crucial as they aim to secure points and keep their hopes alive for advancing to the knockout stages.