Türkiye – Georgia 3:1 (1:1)
Turkey won the first match of the preliminary group F with 3:1 (1:1) against European Championship newcomers Georgia. Mert Müldür scored the 1:0 lead for the Turks in front of 62,000 spectators in Dortmund with a spectacular direct shot (25th minute). Two minutes later, the ball was in the Georgian goal again, but Kenan Yıldız’s goal for what appeared to be a 2:0 goal did not stand up to review by the video referee due to an offside position. Instead, Georges Mikautadze scored the equalizer for Georgia on the other side shortly afterwards (32nd).
The second half also started at a fast pace, with Turkey having the advantage. 19-year-old Arda Güler finally managed to put the visitors 2-1 ahead with a long-range shot into the corner (65′). Just five minutes later, Georgia missed the chance to equalize again when Giorgi Kochorashvili hit the crossbar with a shot from 15 meters from the edge of the penalty area. The underdog then gained some possession, but initially did not pose a threat to the Turkish goal.
On the other side, Yusuf Yazıcı initially missed the chance to decide the game: his header from close range was saved by Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili (87th minute). In the six minutes of added time, Georgia had two great opportunities to equalize: first, Mikautadze and Giorgi Kochorashvili stumbled in front of the Turkish goal (90th+3). Three minutes later, Samet Akaydin prevented an own goal with his head. Goalkeeper Mamardashvili went into the opponent’s penalty area on two subsequent corners. Turkey got the ball, Muhammed Kerem Aktürkoğlu ran alone towards the empty goal and scored to make it 3-1 (90th+7).
For Georgia, the tournament continues on Saturday in Hamburg (3 p.m.) against the Czech Republic. Turkey will face Portugal again three hours later in Dortmund.
This article will continue to be updated.
Turkey won the first match of the preliminary group F with 3:1 (1:1) against European Championship newcomers Georgia. Mert Müldür scored the 1:0 lead for the Turks in front of 62,000 spectators in Dortmund with a spectacular direct shot (25th minute). Two minutes later, the ball was in the Georgian goal again, but Kenan Yıldız’s goal for what appeared to be a 2:0 goal did not stand up to review by the video referee due to an offside position. Instead, Georges Mikautadze scored the equalizer for Georgia on the other side shortly afterwards (32nd).
