Mert Muldur and Arda Guler have both scored contenders for the goal of the tournament at Euro 2024 after each found the back of the net against Georgia on Tuesday.
Previous major tournaments have seen Turkey fail to deliver on their dark horse status, but if the quality of finishing is any measure of success then they are certainly one of the teams to watch.
It was an unlikely goalscorer in the form of right-back Muldur that popped up on the edge of the Georgia box to score with an outrageous strike and give Turkey the lead in the 25th minute.
A cross into the box looked to have been headed clear by Georgia’s defence but only as far as Muldur who hit a wicked volley first time that left the goalkeeper stranded.
The sweet strike rose elegantly through the air and nestled in the back of the net with Muldur and his team-mates stunned at his outstanding strike – just his second international goal.
There had already been plenty of brilliant goals at this summer’s European Championship with Romania’s Nicolae Stanciu scoring an early contender for goal of the tournament in Monday’s 3-0 win over Ukraine, and Muldur’s strike has gained similar applause.
The Turkey defender who plays his club football at Fenerbahce had only ever scored one international goal prior to Tuesday’s match when he previously got on the scoresheet in a 6-0 win over Gibraltar three years ago.
Micah Richards heaped praise on Muldur at half-time as the former Man City full-back labelled the finish as ‘outstanding’.
Analysing the goal on the BBC, Richards said: ‘The modern day right-backs love to get forward and as it comes, the timing, technique and precision.
‘Everything about it is outstanding. The way he just commits to the ball just to get the right amount of purchase.
‘Look at that, wow. What do we call that? A Turkish delight,’ added Richards.
Fans on social media echoed similar sentiments with one post on X stating: ‘What a strike! An absolute corker. Surely, the goal of the tournament.’
However, the strike was quickly cancelled out as Georgia announced themselves on the grand stage with their first goal in European Championship history just minutes later.
The match remained level at the interval before Real Madrid star, Guler, scored another sensational goal that re-established Turkey’s lead.
Guler had been a constant presence in attack and decided to take the match by the scruff of the neck when he latched onto a pass, dribbled towards goal and bent his effort into the top corner.
The aptly named ‘Turkish Messi’ looked in disbelief when he ran off to the corner flag celebrating before being mobbed by team-mates as Turkey forced themselves back in-front.
His incredible finish from 30 yards out even had Turkey manager Vincenzo Montella jumping for joy as those in the technical area hugged each other in ecstatic celebration.
