Turkey scored two goals from tournament contenders as they began their Euro 2024 campaign with a 3-1 win over fearless newcomers Georgia.
Vincenzo Montella’s side got off to a good start in Dortmund and, after Kaan Ayhan hit the uprights, took a deserved lead with one of the sharpest strikes of the tournament so far.
A cross from Ferdi Kadioglu headed into the path of Mert Muldur, who found the top right corner with a superb first-time volley.
With Georgia’s defense still reeling from the opener, Kenan Yildiz was denied a second inside two minutes after a VAR review revealed he had strayed offside before a close finish wearing.
Willy Sagnol’s side then took advantage of the reprieve, Georges Mikautadze beating Mert Gunok at the near post to score the nation’s first goal in a major international tournament.
The momentum was starting to swing in Turkey’s favor after the break, but Georgia kept them at bay – until Guler found a pocket of space on the right, headed to the edge of the box and sent a beauty in the upper skylight.
The 19-year-old became only the third teenager to score on their first Euro appearance, after Ferenc Bene for Hungary against Spain in 1964 and Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal against Greece in 2004.
Georgia still pushed. Giorgi Kochorashvili hit the crossbar, before a mix-up between him and Mikautadze saw a late chance come and go, and a free-kick bounced off the right post and wide.
But in the closing stages, Gunok took a corner and, with opposite number Giorgi Mamardashvili coming forward for the free-kick, Kerem Akturkoglu raced towards an open goal and slotted in to seal the victory.
How Muldur’s stun gave Turkey the advantage
And how Guler added a sensational second
