Guler Enhances Reputation with Goal for Turkey in Thrilling Win over Debutant Georgia at Euro 2024

With Kylian Mbappe poised to join the ranks of attacking superstars at Real Madrid, Arda Guler faces a challenging path to make his mark at Europe’s elite club. However, the 19-year-old’s explosive debut in international tournament soccer on Tuesday suggests he might just succeed.

Guler showcased his talent by scoring a brilliant second-half goal, aiding Turkey in their 3-1 victory over tournament debutant Georgia in a thrilling European Championship match. Cutting in from the right, Guler bent a fierce shot into the top corner in the 65th minute, regaining the lead for Turkey at 2-1 and becoming the youngest debut scorer in Euros history, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s record from 2004.

Substitute Kerem Aktürkoğlu sealed the win with a breakaway goal in stoppage time, concluding a back-and-forth Group F match in Dortmund. The game was played in an intense atmosphere, with fan disorder occurring before kickoff.

Georgia, making its debut in an international tournament since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, put up a commendable fight. Mert Muldur’s volleyed finish in the 25th minute gave Turkey the lead, but Georgia equalized through Georges Mikautadze in the 32nd.

Guler’s goal was pivotal, marking another stunning long-range strike in this tournament. Despite missing much of the Spanish league season due to injury, Guler finished strong, scoring five goals in five games. He was an unused substitute in Real Madrid’s Champions League final victory.

The upcoming season might present more challenges for Guler with the arrival of Mbappé and Brazilian forward Endrick. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti recognizes Guler’s potential, and Guler shared post-match that he received a motivational message from Ancelotti. “Ancelotti is motivating me a lot,” Guler said. “Of course I’m happy to have scored my first goal for Turkey — I hope this first match shows us the way forward.”

Ranked No. 75, Georgia could have easily secured a point in this frenetic match. In stoppage time, with goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili upfield, Georgia’s free kick struck the post, and a subsequent shot from the rebound was cleared off the line. The ensuing corner was also cleared, leading to Aktürkoğlu’s unchallenged run and goal into an empty net.

The final whistle saw Turkey’s players celebrating with their fans. In the previous Euros in 2021, Turkey lost all three of its group games. This time, under Italian coach Vincenzo Montella, Turkey has fielded an exciting squad with the second-youngest average age in the tournament.

Guler shone brightly, creating five chances and demonstrating exceptional technique and creativity. Georgia’s key player, Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, had a relatively quiet game until the frantic final moments when he was heavily involved in the attacks. Georgia hit the goal frame twice during this period, with Giorgi Kochorashvili also striking the post.

The match concluded with Georgia’s players in despair, having come close to a historic result in their Euro debut.