Turkey commenced their Euro 2024 campaign with 3-1 victory over tournament newcomers Georgia , starting Group F of the competition off with a bang. The Crescent-Stars were winless in their last five matches heading into the contest in Dortmund, but worries of another European collapse were quashed after 25 minutes when Mert Muldur hit a sweet volley from the edge of the box to hand the 2008 semi-finalists the lead. Extremely keen to show that they are not just in Germany to make up the numbers, Georgia restored parity seven minutes later thanks to Georges Mikautadze , who will now forever have the title of netting his nation's first-ever goal at a major tournament.
After playing a bit-part role for Spanish and European champions Real Madrid this season, Turkey sensation Arda Guler stepped into the continental spotlight and fired Vincenzo Montella 's men back in front on 65 minutes, before the Crescent-Stars added a third in stoppage time through Kerem Akturkoglu . Following their distrasous Euro 2020 campaign - in which they failed to collect any points and managed just a single goal - success in Dortmund against Georgia will have gone a long way in restoring pride and confidence in the Turkish national side, who are now within touching distance of the knockout stages. On his 50th birthday, Turkey manager Montella picked a side full of exciting attacking talent, including Madrid star Guler, who recently became the first Turkish player to win the Champions League, whilst Juven.