Turkey beat Georgia 3-1 in the first match of Group "F" at the European Championship, reported Sportal.bg. One of the matches for which there were least expectations turned into an extraordinary spectacle. Major championship debutants Georgia offered some beautiful football and got their first goal in the European finals, the work of Georges Mikoutadze.
Vincenzo Montella's side were also up for the challenge and this turned the match into a great encounter. The Turks won after two outstanding goals. Mert Muldur opened the scoring in the 25th minute, and seven minutes later the Georgians equalized. Arda Guler put Turkey ahead after a fantastic performance in the 65th minute, and deep into stoppage time, substitute Kerem Akturkoglu made it 3:1.
Later today is the other match in this group which is between Portugal and the Czech Republic.
Vincenzo Montella's team started aggressively and immediately pressed the opponent. The blows to Mamardashvili were not late. Ayhan headed over the goal from a corner and Chalhanoolu's effort was blocked. In the 10th minute, a good attack by the Turks ended with Ayhan's low shot, which hit the right post behind the opponent's goalkeeper. Georgia responded quickly and Mekvabishvili's shot was deflected and Gunok had to make a save.
The tempo at the beginning of the match was very high, and the main reason for this was the Turks, who definitely dominated. Mamardashvili had to intervene again in the 14th minute when he dealt with Yazdez's strong shot from a small angle. The team of our southern neighbor pressed and looked for gaps in the opponent's defense, but the Georgians managed to cope, although they played with the ball much less often.
Turkey's dominance gave the result in the 25th minute when Müldür opened the scoring with a fantastic strike. After an attempted clearance, the ball went to the defender around the edge of the box, and he headed it magnificently out of the air and into the net. For him, it was the first goal for the national team since 2021.
The goal inspired the Turks even more and they immediately mounted a wonderful quick attack which was finished off by Kenan Yıldız. However, after consideration by the VAR, the goal was canceled due to an ambush.
This development not only did not break the Georgians, but made them ambitious and they managed to equalize quite quickly. In the 32nd minute, Kochorashvili did an excellent job and found Mikautadze, who surprised Gyunok with a low shot in the close range. It was Georgia's first goal at the European finals in their first match. Shortly after the goal, Montella's team could have reached one more. However, Mikautadze's volley went wide of the goal.
After a strong end to the first half, Georgia came out much more confident after the break. However, Turkey got a chance shortly after the restart. Yilmaz's cross, however, seemed to surprise Muldyur and he was unable to trouble Mamardashvili. Kvaratskhelia was causing problems for the Turkish defense and after his breakthrough he found Mikautadze. However, his shot was blocked after two defenders rushed to stop it.
Both teams offered plenty of emotions to the fans at the Dortmund Stadium as they played fast, attacking football. The Georgian keeper had to intervene after Chalhanoolu's powerful free-kick went straight to him and he needs to react quickly. However, Mamardashvili had nothing to do in the 65th minute when Arda Guler scored an incredible goal. The Real Madrid talent was given space in front of the penalty area and with a brilliant performance directed the ball into the goal.
Montella's team were inspired again and, as after the first goal, they quickly had an opportunity to lead by two. However, Orkun Kyokchu failed to hit the goal from a good position. Georgia could have equalized in the 70th minute. Kochorashvili brilliantly broke through the center, overcoming the opponent's defense, but his shot ended up on the crossbar.
A short lull followed and a series of substitutions in both teams. During this period, the Turks did not allow Georgia to threaten Gunok. Substitute Yusuf Yazdzhi forced Mamardashvili to make another excellent save. In added time, Willy Sagnol's team pressed hard and reached the "golden" opportunity shortly before the end. However, Kochorashvili sent the ball past the goal.
TURKEY - GEORGIA 3:1
1:0 - Muldur (25)
1:1 - Mikoutadze (32)
2:1 - Guler (66)
3:1 - Akturkoglu (90+7)