Arda Guler is something else! Real Madrid starlet settles all-time classic Euro 2024 encounter with wonder strike as Turkey earn thrilling win over Georgia

In monsoon-like conditions, Turkey began on the front foot and were inches away from taking the lead when Kaan Ayhan’s fierce strike rattled the post. They then deservedly went in front when Mert Muldur scored a goal of the tournament contender with a stunning, volleyed strike from the edge of the box in the 25th minute.

Soon after it looked to be 2-0 when Kenan Yildiz tapped in from close range but the striker was offside. Vincenzo Montella’s side were knocked off their stride, however, when Georges Mikautadze squeezed a near-post strike under goalkeeper Mert Gunok just after the half-hour mark. In an enthralling contest, Guler scored a blistering 25-yard strike in the 65th minute, before the dangerous Giorgi Kochorashvili hit the bar shortly after. Georgia, who were making their Euros debut, went agonisingly close to grabbing a stoppage time equaliser, only for Kerem Akturkoglu to score on the counter to settle, arguably, the best game of the competition so far.

Arda Guler: While Kochorashvili was superb for the Georgians and Mulder’s strike was magnificent, the Real Madrid teenager’s rasping drive capped off an impressive display for Turkey. He linked with team-mates well, set up his side’s disallowed goal, and kept popping up in dangerous positions on the pitch. And, ultimately, the ‘Turkish Messi’ grabbed the winner.

Mert Gunok: In a game full of excitement, attacking verve and fearlessness, where both teams should be praised for their efforts, only one mistake stands out from the contest. The Turkey keeper was beaten too easily by Mikautadze, whose shot went under the Besiktas man.

The victorious Turks return to this ground on Saturday evening against one of the tournament’s favourites, Portugal, whereas Willy Sagnol’s Georgia side take on the Czech Republic earlier on that day at Volksparkstadion in Group F.