Teenager Arda Güler scored on his European Championship debut as Turkey secured a thrilling Group F victory over Georgia in Dortmund.
Right-back Mert Müldür opened the scoring for Turkey in the 25th minute with a spectacular volley into the top corner, leaving Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili helpless.
Seven minutes later, Georges Mikautadze netted Georgia’s first goal in a major tournament, expertly guiding Giorgi Kochorashvili’s cross into the near corner.
In the 65th minute, Real Madrid forward Güler became the third teenager to score on his Euros debut with a sublime curling strike into the top corner from 25 yards.
Georgia, participating in the Euros for the first time, fought valiantly and nearly equalized.
Displaying plenty of heart and skill, Willy Sagnol’s side came close when Kochorashvili missed a late chance after hitting the bar earlier.
In a frantic finale, Georgia struck the post and had a goalbound effort from Budu Zivzivadze blocked by Samet Akaydin’s head in the fifth minute of added time.
Turkey sealed their victory with the last kick of the game as substitute Kerem Aktürkoğlu broke clear and, with Mamardashvili up for a corner, rolled the ball into an empty net.
Dortmund’s famous yellow wall turned red as Turkish fans celebrated wildly after their team, on manager Vincenzo Montella’s 50th birthday, secured three valuable points.
Turkey will aim for consecutive wins on Saturday when they face Portugal, while Georgia will take on the Czech Republic.
Guler beats Ronaldo’s mark in dazzling display
After becoming the first Turkish player to win the Champions League in June when Real Madrid defeated Borussia Dortmund, Arda Güler certainly lived up to the hype surrounding him at Euro 2024.
He showcased his talent in the first half, earning the nickname “Turkish Messi,” but truly shone in the second period.
In classic Messi style, Güler picked up the ball on the right side, cut in on his left foot, and unleashed an unstoppable strike into the top corner, leaving spectators in awe despite the pouring rain in Dortmund.
At 19 years and 114 days old, he became the youngest player to score on his debut in the competition, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 19 years and 128 days set against Greece in 2004.
Güler’s dazzling performance justified why Real Madrid offered him a six-year contract and rejected loan offers last summer when they signed him from Fenerbahçe.
His goal gave Turkey the edge in a close contest, and he now aims to remain a driving force for a team that reached the Euro 2008 semi-finals.
The defeat was harsh on Georgia, who made history by defeating Greece in a penalty shootout in the play-off final back in March.
French coach Willy Sagnol had promised his side would “give it everything” in their first major tournament, and they did just that from the first minute.
Despite leaving Dortmund with no points, they will take many positives into their next game.
Player of the Match: A. Güler