Arda Guler’s sensational strike proved the distinction on Tuesday night as Turkey sealed an entertaining 3-1 win over Georgia of their first recreation of Euro 2024.
The Actual Madrid teenager’s strike from vary within the second half proved to be the decisive second in a recreation which was filled with high quality and memorable moments from the primary whistle.
Turkey hit the put up via Kaan Ayhan ten minutes in as they seemed to determine the dominance many anticipated of them earlier than kick-off, however Georgia didn’t lie down and shortly reminded Europe that they have been right here to make some noise.
Georgian stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili, a reported goal for Newcastle United, did his worth no hurt with numerous wonderful saves, however there was nothing he may do in regards to the goal-of-the-tournament contender that got here his approach 25 minutes in.
Ferdi Kadioglu’s cross seemed to have been cleared by the Georgian again line, but it surely as a substitute dropped to the toes of Mert Muldur, whose sensational volley roared into the highest nook.
VAR dominated out what seemed like a right away second from Kenan Yildiz, earlier than Georges Mikautadze tied issues up from shut vary after some sensible play from Georgia.
Mikautadze ought to have added a second earlier than the half-time break and star man Khvicha Kvaratskhelia may have put Georgia forward on the half-hour mark, and they’d be made to pay for that profligacy when Guler determined to steal the headlines.
Reducing in from the fitting wing, the Madrid teen unleashed an excellent strike together with his left foot that arrowed completely into the highest nook. One other purpose you will be seeing in compilations all through the rest of the match.
Georgia had their probabilities to tie issues up. Giorgi Kochorashvili struck the bar and, within the dying embers, bundled a careless effort large because the minnows have been left questioning how they didn’t take something from this thrilling encounter.
The ultimate act of the sport noticed Georgia hit the put up and watch an effort cleared off the road, and their determined makes an attempt to seek out an equaliser would in the end result in a 3rd Turkey purpose.
With Mamardashvili up attacking a nook within the 97th minute, Kerem Akturkoglu discovered himself utterly alone on the counter to faucet into an empty web and seal three factors in maybe the most effective recreation of the match to date.
