The Turkish national team started their first match of Group F qualification for the 2024 European Cup with a convincing victory (3-1) against debutant team Georgia (19/6/24) at the Signal Iduna Park stadium, Dortmund, Germany.
For Georgia, the first match was very historic. Since separating from the Soviet Union in 1991, this is the first time this country with a population of 3.6 million has played in an international tournament like the European Cup.
However, this debut was marred by Turkey’s slick performance. With a 4-2-3-1 formation, Turkey fielded its best squad, including immediately playing one of the currently rising teenage players, Arda Guler from the first minute.
From the statistics shown, Turkey was superior in ball possession over Georgia with 56 percent ball possession. This dominance was accompanied by aggressiveness in carrying out attacks on Georgia’s opponents. It was recorded that Turkey made 22 shots at Georgia’s goal with 8 hitting the target.
However, as reported by uefa.com (19/6/24), Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella, in addition to appreciating the performance of his players, Montella also regretted the many opportunities created but not accompanied by accuracy to score goals.
Turkey initially led Georgia 25th. Mert Muldur’s volley broke through Georgia’s goal guarded by Giorgi Mamardashvili and made the Turkish supporters who filled the Borussia Dortmund club stadium roar.
However, the roar of the Turkish supporters was disturbed because Georgia scored an equalizer in the 32nd minute. However, Turkey’s performance did not weaken.
In the second half, the intensity of Turkey’s game continued to increase. Arda Guler was one of the actors behind Turkey’s aggressive game.
The teenage player who defends the Real Madrid club managed to give Turkey the advantage with a hard long-range kick in the 65th minute. Then, Turkey closed the match with a goal in the injury time minutes through M. Akturkoglu.
The victory also placed Turkey at the top of Group F’s standings ahead of Portugal in second place.
Turkey’s convincing performance in the first match sent a very strong message to other teams, including Portugal who were in the same group. Turkey seemed to come to Germany as a team to be wary of.
Most precisely, Turkey is one of the “dark horse” teams that can destroy other favorite teams.
The basis can be seen from the aggressiveness of Montella’s players in serving Georgia’s game. Also, it was balanced by the composition of the squad included by Montella.
In addition to Guler who is one of the important players in Turkey’s game, Montella also has Hakan Calhanoglu who plays with Inter Milan as one of Turkey’s central players.
Calhanoglu’s role has changed since playing at Inter. Montella applied this to the Turkish national team, where Calhanoglu plays more as an anchor midfielder and playmaker. Calhanoglu’s role in attacking is also limited.
Furthermore, Turkey’s victory also marked a new era. Montella did not hold back, he immediately fielded two teenage players in this match. In addition to Guler (19 years old), Montella also did not hesitate to field Kenan Yildiz who is also 19 years old.
The two teenage players are very significant in Turkey’s game pattern. Guler on the left side and Yildiz on the right side are able to provide intensity in Turkey’s attack pattern.
With a relatively young age and accompanied by physical condition that is still prime, the two teenage players can provide an attacking effect in Turkey’s game.
Guler was also able to steal the attention. The player who is 19 years and 114 days old became the third teenager since 1980 to create five goal-scoring opportunities in the European Cup after Wayne Rooney and Pedri.
Also, Guler recorded himself as the youngest player in European Cup history to score a goal in his first appearance. He also became the third teenager to score a goal in the European Cup after Cristiano Ronaldo when he played against Greece in 2004 and Ferenc Bene from Hungary when he played against Spain in 1964.
Guler’s sensation had actually begun to be detected at Real Madrid. Although his role was still very limited amidst the tight competition in the Madrid squad, Guler still gave his best performance. From five matches playing with Madrid in the 2023/24 season, Guler was able to score five goals.
Against Georgia, Guler was considered one of the shining players. Guler’s technique and creativity provided extra energy from Turkey’s attack pattern.
In the second half, Guler created many problems for Georgia’s back line. In addition, Guler also showed leadership aspects. Without hesitation, Guler gave instructions to his teammates.
However, Guler remained humble. He considered that the match against Georgia was a difficult match.
ASL
