Turkey scored two goal of the tournament contenders as they started their Euro 2024 campaign with a 3-1 win over fearless newcomers Georgia.
Vincenzo Montella’s side made a strong start in Dortmund and, after Kaan Ayhan struck the woodwork, they established a deserved lead with one of the crispest strikes of the tournament so far.
A cross from Ferdi Kadioglu was headed away into the path of Mert Muldur, who found the top right corner with a stunning first-time volley.
With the Georgia defence still reeling from the opener, Kenan Yildiz was denied a second inside two minutes after a VAR review spotted he had strayed offside before a close-range finish.
Willy Sagnol’s side subsequently took advantage of the reprieve, with Georges Mikautadze beating Mert Gunok at his near post to score the nation’s first goal at a major international tournament.
The momentum began to sway in Turkey’s favour after the break, but Georgia just about kept them at bay – until Guler found a pocket of space on the right, drove to the edge of the box and curled a beauty into the top corner.
The 19-year-old became just the third teenager to score on their first appearance in the Euros, after Ferenc Bene for Hungary against Spain in 1964 and Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal against Greece in 2004.
Still Georgia pushed. Giorgi Kochorashvili struck the crossbar, before a mix-up between himself and Mikautadze saw a late chance come and go, and a free-kick was bounced onto the right-hand post and away.
But in the final stages, Gunok punched a corner clear and, with his opposite number Giorgi Mamardashvili having come forward for the set-piece, Kerem Akturkoglu raced clear towards an open goal and slotted in to seal the win.
How Muldur’s stunner put Turkey in front
And how Guler added a sensational second
