The UEFA EURO CUP 2024 witnessed an electrifying match between Turkey and Georgia on June 18, 2024. Held in Dortmund, the match saw Türkiye triumph over debutants Georgia with a thrilling 3-1 victory, highlighted by a spectacular goal from Real Madrid’s young talent Arda Güler. This article delves into the detailed analysis of the Turkey vs Georgia match result, key moments, player performances, and post-match insights.
Match Overview: Turkey vs Georgia
In a match filled with excitement and drama, Türkiye emerged victorious with a 3-1 win against a valiant Georgian side. The game showcased Türkiye’s attacking prowess and Georgia’s relentless spirit, making it a memorable encounter in the UEFA EURO CUP 2024.
Score Summary
Turkey emerged victorious, defeating Georgia with a final score of 3-1. Let’s take a closer look at the key events:
- 24:58 min: Mert Muldur (Turkey) scored the opening goal.
- 31:45 min: Georges Mikautadze (Georgia) equalized for his team.
- 64:56 min: Arda Güler (Turkey) put Turkey ahead with a goal.
- 90:00 min: Kerem Akturkoglu (Turkey) sealed the victory with another goal.
Team Statistics
- Turkey:
- Yellow Cards: 2
- Total Shots: 21
- Shots on Target: 7
- Ball Possession: 52%
- Goals Conceded: 1
- Goals Scored: 3
- Georgia:
- Yellow Cards: 1
- Total Shots: 12
- Shots on Target: 4
- Ball Possession: 48%
- Goals Conceded: 3
- Goals Scored: 1
Key Moments of the Match | Turkey vs Georgia
10′: Kaan Ayhan’s Fierce Drive Rattles Upright
Türkiye started strongly, with Kaan Ayhan almost opening the scoring with a powerful shot that hit the post.
25′: Mert Müldür Opens Scoring with Volley
Türkiye took the lead when Mert Müldür connected with a headed clearance, volleying the ball into the net.
32′: Mikautadze Squeezes in Equaliser
Georgia equalized through Georges Mikautadze, who diverted Giorgi Kochorashvili’s low cross into the goal.
35′: Mikautadze Drags Shot Narrowly Wide
Mikautadze came close to scoring again, but his shot narrowly missed the target.
65′: Arda Güler Fires in Long-Range Stunner
Arda Güler scored a stunning goal from distance, giving Türkiye a 2-1 lead.
70′: Kochorashvili Thumps Bar for Georgia
Kochorashvili almost equalized for Georgia, but his powerful shot struck the crossbar.
90+3′: Mikautadze Fires a Whisker Wide
In the dying moments, Mikautadze’s shot narrowly missed, keeping the score at 2-1.
90+6′: Kvaratskhelia Free-Kick Thumps Post
Kvaratskhelia’s free-kick hit the post, denying Georgia a late equalizer.
90+7′: Kerem Aktürkoğlu Fires into Empty Net
Türkiye sealed the victory in injury time with Kerem Aktürkoğlu scoring into an empty net after a counter-attack.
Match in Brief: Türkiye Do It in Style
Türkiye began the match with high intensity, dominating possession and creating several scoring opportunities. Hakan Çalhanoğlu orchestrated the midfield, setting the tempo and creating chances. Kaan Ayhan’s early strike against the post set the tone for Türkiye’s attacking intent.
Mert Müldür’s volley gave Türkiye the lead, but Georgia responded swiftly with Mikautadze’s equalizer. The game was a battle of tactics and resilience, with both teams pushing for dominance. Arda Güler’s long-range strike in the second half was the highlight, showcasing his immense talent and giving Türkiye a crucial lead.
Despite Georgia’s relentless efforts, including hitting the woodwork twice, Türkiye held firm. In the final moments, Georgia’s all-out attack left them vulnerable at the back, and Kerem Aktürkoğlu’s goal on the counter secured a well-deserved victory for Türkiye.
Player of the Match: Arda Güler (Türkiye)
Arda Güler was the standout performer, creating numerous problems for the Georgian defense. His leadership and ability to orchestrate play were evident, culminating in a spectacular goal that proved decisive. His performance earned him the Vivo Player of the Match award, a testament to his influence on the game.
Key Statistics | Turkey vs Georgia
- Arda Güler is the first teenager to score on his EURO debut since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2004.
- Türkiye won their opening EURO fixture for the first time, having lost each of their previous five.
- Debutants Georgia are the 36th modern-day nation to feature in a EURO finals – and the 36th to score.
- Arda Güler, at 19 years and 114 days, is the fifth youngest scorer at a EURO finals.
- Türkiye became only the second side in EURO history to name two teenagers in their starting XI (19-year-olds Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız).
- Hakan Çalhanoğlu is only the second Türkiye player to feature in three EURO final tournaments after Rüştü Reçber.
- Türkiye have lost only two of their last 15 competitive matches (W10 D3).
Team Line-ups
Türkiye:
Mert Günok; Mert Müldür (Zeki Çelik 85), Samet Akaydin, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Ferdi Kadıoğlu; Kaan Ayhan (Merih Demiral 79), Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Salih Özcan 90+2); Arda Güler (Yusuf Yazıcı 79), Orkun Kökçü, Kenan Yıldız (Kerem Aktürkoğlu 85); Barış Alper Yılmaz.
Georgia:
Giorgi Mamardashvili; Otar Kakabadze, Guram Kashia, Davit Kverkvelia (Zivzivadze 85), Lasha Dvali, Giorgi Tsitaishvili (Lochoshvili 74); Giorgi Kochorashvili, Lasha Mekvabishvili (Altunashvili 89), Giorgi Chakvetadze (Davitashvili 74); Georges Mikautadze, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Detailed Analysis: Turkey vs Georgia Match Result
The Turkey vs Georgia match result reflects the competitive nature and high stakes of UEFA EURO CUP 2024. Türkiye’s victory was marked by moments of brilliance and resilience, while Georgia’s debut performance highlighted their potential and fighting spirit.
First Half: Türkiye’s Dominance and Georgia’s Response
Türkiye dominated the early exchanges, with Hakan Çalhanoğlu dictating play from midfield. Kaan Ayhan’s powerful shot against the post set the tone for Türkiye’s attacking intent. The breakthrough came when Mert Müldür’s volley found the back of the net, giving Türkiye a deserved lead.
However, Georgia quickly responded with Mikautadze’s equalizer, showing their ability to capitalize on opportunities. Mikautadze nearly scored again, but his shot narrowly missed the target. The first half ended with both teams locked in an intense battle, showcasing their tactical prowess and determination.
Second Half: Güler’s Magic and Late Drama
The second half saw Türkiye regain control, with Arda Güler taking center stage. His stunning long-range strike was the highlight of the match, giving Türkiye a crucial lead. Güler’s performance was instrumental in Türkiye’s dominance, as he created chances and dictated play.
Georgia continued to press for an equalizer, with Kochorashvili hitting the bar and Kvaratskhelia’s free-kick striking the post. Despite their relentless efforts, Georgia couldn’t find the back of the net. In the final moments, Türkiye capitalized on Georgia’s all-out attack, with Kerem Aktürkoğlu scoring into an empty net to secure a 3-1 victory.
Tactical Breakdown: Turkey vs Georgia
Türkiye’s tactical approach was to dominate possession and utilize their creative midfielders to break down Georgia’s defense. Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s role as the midfield orchestrator was crucial, while the attacking trio of Arda Güler, Kenan Yıldız, and Barış Alper Yılmaz provided the offensive firepower.
Georgia’s strategy focused on a solid defensive setup and quick counter-attacks. Mikautadze and Kvaratskhelia were the key players in their attacking setup, using their pace and skill to create opportunities. Despite their defensive resilience, Georgia struggled to contain Türkiye’s attacking threats.
Post-Match Reflections: Turkey vs Georgia
The Turkey vs Georgia match result highlights the importance of tactical execution and individual brilliance in football. Türkiye’s victory, marked by Güler’s stunning goal, showcased their potential to compete at the highest level. For Georgia, the match was a learning experience, proving they can compete against established teams.
Türkiye’s Perspective
For Türkiye, the win is a significant confidence booster. Breaking their streak of losing opening matches at EURO finals, Türkiye demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure. The blend of experienced players like Çalhanoğlu and young talents like Güler and Yıldız provides a promising outlook for their campaign.
Georgia’s Perspective
Despite the loss, Georgia’s performance was commendable. Making their debut at the EURO finals, they showed resilience and fighting spirit. Their ability to create chances and trouble Türkiye’s defense is a positive sign for their future matches. Learning from this experience, Georgia can build on their strengths and aim for better results in their upcoming fixtures.
Looking Ahead: Turkey and Georgia’s Next Challenges
Türkiye
Türkiye’s next challenge will be to maintain their momentum and continue their winning streak. The blend of youth and experience in their squad provides a balanced approach, and Vincenzo Montella will aim to build on this victory. Key players like Güler and Çalhanoğlu will be crucial in their quest for success in the tournament.
Georgia
For Georgia, the focus will be on learning from this match and improving their performance. Their debut at the EURO finals has shown they have the potential to compete at this level. Coach Vakhtang Bzikadze will aim to refine their tactics and build on the positives from this match. The spirit and determination shown against Türkiye will be essential in their upcoming fixtures.
Conclusion | Turkey vs Georgia
The Turkey vs Georgia match result in the UEFA EURO CUP 2024 was a thrilling encounter, showcasing the excitement and competitiveness of the tournament. Türkiye’s victory, highlighted by Arda Güler’s stunning goal, was a testament to their attacking prowess and resilience. For Georgia, the match was a valuable learning experience, proving their potential to compete at the highest level.
As the tournament progresses, both teams will look to build on this match and strive for success. The UEFA EURO CUP 2024 promises more exciting matches and memorable moments, with Türkiye and Georgia aiming to make their mark on the competition.
