Turkey earned a dramatic 3-1 victory over European Championship newcomers Georgia as Group F finally got underway in Dortmund.
The two-goal margin flattered Vincenzo Montella’s side who were made to work for their three points thanks to a spirited Georgia performance.
Outstanding goals from Turkey full-back Mert Müldür and young star Arda Güler set the game alight either side of half-time.
Georgia, though, were always in the game and made life very uncomfortable for their neighbours ranked 35 places above them in the FIFA World Rankings.
They came close to an equaliser on a number of occasions in the second half but were ultimately punished for their bravery. A last-minute Turkish counter-attack saw Kerem Aktürkoğlu race clear and slot into an empty net following a Georgia corner.
In what was arguably the best game of Euro 2024 so far, Willy Sagnol and his Georgia side can certainly take the positives.
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Arda Güler really is Turkey’s ‘one to watch’
Billed before the tournament as the Turkish attacking talent to keep tabs on, it would not have been surprising if Arda Güler started a little nervously. The Real Madrid youngster has the weight of a nation on his shoulders.
In truth, that midfielder dubbed the ‘Turkish Messi’ was impressive throughout. He was confident in possession and had the calmness to allow his quality to shine on the biggest of stages.
It was in the second half, however, that he had his ‘breakout’ moment. In the 65th minute, he picked up the ball on the edge of the area, shifted it and unleashed a delightful curling shot beyond a despairing Giorgi Mamardashvili.
It was an outstanding effort befitting of a player who possesses such mercurial talent. Güler even managed to outdo his teammate Müldür, whose outstanding volley had put Turkey ahead in the first half.
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Georgia are not here to make up the numbers
Georgia, ranked 75th in the FIFA World Rankings and participating in their first-ever international tournament, have not been tipped to progress very far at Euro 2024.
Qualification and a place in Germany was a feat in itself, but their performance against Turkey illustrated that they are hungry for more history-making success.
They were resolute in defence and made life difficult for their opponents thanks to a rigid 5-4-1 set-up out of possession. When they had the ball, they were positive and looked to impose themselves on the Turkish backline.
Georges Mikautadze’s 32nd-minute equaliser was a just reward for a valiant first 45 minutes of tournament football.
Even when dealt the blow of going behind for a second time in the game, Sagnol’s men continued to assert themselves. They went close to an equaliser on a number of occasions, with midfielder Giorgi Kochorashvili hitting the bar after bursting through the heart of Turkey’s defence.
Conceding a third goal with the last kick of the match was harsh on Georgia and did not reflect the tense nature of the game’s final moments. Turkey were pushed all the way.
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Winning start crucial for Turkey’s talented squad
With four out of six third-place teams qualifying for the knockout stages, a win in your first match is a very big step towards group progression. Turkey have a squad laden with talent and will be grateful to have got off to a winning start.
Despite Georgia’s stiff challenge, Montella’s men stood up to the test and showcased the ability they have in their ranks.
Juventus wideman Kenan Yildiz was energetic on the left-hand side of Turkey’s attack and was unlucky to have a goal ruled out in the first half.
Stalwart midfield maestro and captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu was his nation’s orchestrator once again, pulling the strings in the centre of the pitch and controlling proceedings. If Turkey are to emulate their 2008 heroics, they will need this to continue.
Turkey showed resilience when needed and had the poise to allow their quality to come to the fore when it was required. They will go into their next match, against group favourites Portugal, with confidence.
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Kvaratskhelia yet to come to the party
Much of the pre-tournament chat surrounding Georgia centred around their starman, Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The talented winger is by far the nation’s most acclaimed player and will likely be central to any positive result that they may achieve at Euro 2024.
However, against Turkey, he failed to live up to expectations and impose himself on the game.
Limited to a few half chances either side of the break, it was his teammates Mikautadze and Kochorashvili who carried the greater threat throughout the 90 minutes.
However, with two crucial group games left to play, there is plenty of time for Georgia’s talisman to announce himself at the tournament and help his side turn what was a good performance into a winning one.
