20:13 – Match summary
What can we say about this exciting scenario that Turkey and Georgia have offered us. It was probably one of the most beautiful matches in the history of the EURO that the spectators at Signal Iduna Park witnessed this late afternoon. If Turkey won at the end with a lead of two goals (3-1), Willy Sagnol’s men will have something to be proud of for their first in a major international competition.
We were already excited by a lively first half, during which Mikataudze (32nd) responded to a sublime volley from Muldur (25th). But we were not at the end of our surprises. The rest of this match gave us incredible emotions. The actors were never able to breathe in the face of this recital of actions which reflected the permanent desire of the two teams to move forward. The nugget of Turkish football Arda Guler graced the spectators with a majestic strike which offered a first advantage to his selection (65th). In modern football, in these circumstances we often close up shop and lock everything up but the complete opposite happened.
The Georgians were responsive and pushed until the end to equalize like Kokorachvili (77th), Mikautadze (93rd). But they were also on a tightrope on some Turkish actions from Calhanoglu (55th) and Yazici (92nd). With 22 strikes to 15 for a start with two selections, this initial match undoubtedly represents the meeting with the richest Expected Goals of this EURO. Akturkoglu’s last goal (97th, 3-1) offered a fairly hefty addition to the opponent. In terms of good play, the two teams both deserve the first prize
Thank you gentlemen for this wonderful show!
20:11 – Turkey takes the lead in Group F
While waiting for the meeting between Portugal and the Czech Republic, Turkey takes the lead in Group F (3 pts), while Georgia, already with its back to the wall, will have to seek its first points on Saturday against Cristiano Ronaldo’s teammates.
20:02 – It’s over, Turkey had the last word.
Final whistle. Turkey won against Georgia (3-1), in a completely crazy match. Two very playful teams who went blow for blow to offer us a crazy scenario. Willy Sagnol’s men will not have to be ashamed of this performance and this first story in a EURO. The bill seems heavy, but the content offered by the Georgians suggests better players.
19:59 – Akturkoglu goal!
On a successive counter to a final Georgian attack; Kerem Akturkoglu relieves his team by pushing the ball into the empty goals. Turkey scores its third goal but the bill is expensive for this great Georgia team
19:54 – Incredible miss from Georgia
Double opportunity again for the Georgians, header on the bar from Davitashvili before another deflected shot from Lochoshvili. Another miracle for Turkey
19:51 – What an opportunity for Georgia
Overflowing Kvaravachkelia on the left side, he crosses into the area but Mikataudze, hampered by the arrival of his partner Kokorachvili, sees his shot go off target. Big scare for the Turks.
19:48 – Calhanoglu replaced
Turkish playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu is replaced by Ozcan, only a few minutes left in added time (5 minutes)
19:45 – Header on target from Yazici
Yazici almost gave his teammates a two-goal advantage, his beautiful header in the area following a cross from Celik found Mamardashvili. Vigilant on his line, he brilliantly pushes the ball away for a corner.
19:43 – Celik replaces Muldur
Montella tries to break the rhythm at the end of the game. Changes among the Turks, the scorer Muldur leaves his place to Celik. While Yildiz replaced Akturkoglu.
19:38 – Yazici replaces Guler
Yazici, the Lille striker, replaces Guler in attack. Ayhan gives him his place at Demiral
19:35 – The more frisky Georgians
It’s raining very hard and the playing conditions at the end of the match are not ideal. Georgia is more enterprising in this last quarter of an hour and pushes to equalize.
19:33 – Two changes on the Georgian side
Sagnol is trying to bring in new blood. Davitashvili and Lochoshvili replace Chakvetadze and Tsitaishvili respectively.
19:28 – Kokorashvili finds the post
Superb action from Kokorachvili, after two nice dribbles, the Georgian midfielder who plays for Levante, presents himself alone in front of Gunok. He lifts his ball a bit too much and sees his shot hit the crossbar before returning to the hands of the opposing goalkeeper.
19:25 – Goal from Guler!
Guler delivers Turkey with a magnificent left-footed shot from outside the area. Nobody comes out on him, he has time to arm his shot and look for the far post. Mamardashvili is too short and can’t do anything in his goals. 2-1 for the Turks
19:21 – Kvaravachkelia threatening
Kvaravachkelia throws himself into the area but his foot deflection lacks power to deceive the Turkish goalkeeper.