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Turkey vs Georgia LIVE: Euro 2024 result and reaction after Arda Guler wonder goal

Turkey 3-1 Georgia: Fans clashed in Dortmund after heavy rain saw leaks at the Westfalenstadion leaving supporters drenched, before the game of the tournament unfolded on the pitch

Chris Wilson
Tuesday 18 June 2024 20:22 BST
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Arda Guler soaks in the applause after scoring a stunning goal in Turkey’s win
Arda Guler soaks in the applause after scoring a stunning goal in Turkey’s win (Getty Images)

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Eric Garcia

Washington Bureau Chief

Teenager Arder Guler’s superb long-range strike helped Turkey to a victorious start to their Euro 2024 campaign with a 3-1 win over tournament debutants Georgia amid a fevered atmosphere in Dortmund.

Mert Muldur gave Turkey a deserved lead in the 25th minute, smashing a swerving volley past helpless Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from the edge of the box. Georgia, playing their first major international tournament, equalised in the 32nd minute when Georges Mikautadze turned Giorgi Kochorashvili’s cross past Mert Gunok, who should have done better in covering his near post.

The 19-year-old Guler, coming into the tournament fresh from a run of goals for Real Madrid, scored after 65 minutes, curling an unstoppable shot into the top corner. Georgia pressed for a late equaliser but, with Mamardashvili coming up for a series of corners, Kerem Akturkoglu broke away and passed into an empty net in added time to make it 3-1.

Follow all the reaction below, which continues with updates from Portugal vs Czechia in Group F

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Why are Czech Republic called Czechia at Euro 2024?

Czech Republic begin their Euro 2024 campaign tonight with a tough match against Portugal.

The Czechs will be hoping to get off to a positive start in a tough Group F, which also contains Turkey and debutants Georgia, who clashed in Dortmund earlier on Tuesday.

West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek is at the heart of a side that takes on Cristiano Ronaldo and the rest of a very strong Portuguese team.

Fans and viewers may notice that Czech Republic are often being referred to as “Czechia” over the coming weeks, and officially listed by Uefa under the shorter name. Broadcasters, commentators and pundits have increasingly taken to using the name Czechia in the build-up to this tournament.

Why are Czech Republic called Czechia at Euro 2024?

Czechia has been the name promoted by the country’s government since a major decision in 2016

Sonia Twigg18 June 2024 18:51
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Euro 2024: Turkey 2-1 Georgia

90 mins

Altunashvili comes on in place of Mekvabishvili for Georgia.

Calhanoglu is booked for a late challenge, and Kvaratskhelia can deliver the free-kick. It’s headed clear, but Georgia come again. They work it to Kvaratskhelia, who lays it to Altunashvili, but his cross is cleared before Turkey take the opportunity to make a sub. Calhanoglu coming off for Özcan.

We’ll have six minutes of added time.

Chris Wilson18 June 2024 18:50
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Euro 2024: Turkey 2-1 Georgia

87 mins

Georgia are still throwing men forwards in an attempt to get the equaliser, but it means they’re leaving holes in the defence. Turkey almost capitalise, as Celik clips in a ball from the right and Yazici directs a header towards goal, but Mamardashvili flies across to save.

Georgia defend the corner and win a goal kick.

Chris Wilson18 June 2024 18:47
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84 mins

Kvaratskhelia is briefly down, but it looks like he’ll be able to continue.

One player who can’t continue is Muldur, who is taken off for Celik. Aktürkoğlu also comes on, replacing Yıldız.

Georgia also make a change, with Zivzivadze coming on in place of Kverkvelia.

Chris Wilson18 June 2024 18:43
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Euro 2024: Turkey 2-1 Georgia

82 mins

Kokcu wins possession near halfway to prevent what could’ve been a dangerous Georgia attack, but Turkey concede the throw.

A little lull in activity has been reflected in the atmosphere, which is a little more nervous, quiet and tense than before.

Georgia have a half-chance as the ball comes in towards Kvaratskhelia in the centre of the box, but he’s nowhere near it with his overhead attempt.

Chris Wilson18 June 2024 18:42
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Euro 2024: Turkey 2-1 Georgia

77 mins

Kvaratskhelia delivers another inviting ball into the box but it’s headed away at the last moment, before Georgia concede the free-kick.

Georgia are keeping possession as we approach the final 10 minutes, and they try the clipped ball over the top but it’s cleared for the throw.

Turkey make two changes: Yusuf Yazici replaces Guler, while Merih Demiral comes on for Kaan Ayhan.

Chris Wilson18 June 2024 18:38
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Euro 2024: Turkey 2-1 Georgia

73 mins

Substitution for Georgia as Tsitaishvili and Chakvetadze come off for Lochoshvili and Davitashvili.

Chris Wilson18 June 2024 18:33
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Euro 2024: Turkey 2-1 Georgia

70 mins

CLOSE! Georgia hit the bar!

Brilliant play from the minnows as Kochorashvili collects the ball after a one-two on the edge of the box, flicks his touch up to avoid the challenge from the onrushing defender, and pokes an effort past Gunok but onto the crossbar!

Chris Wilson18 June 2024 18:31
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Euro 2024: Turkey 2-1 Georgia

68 mins

CLOSE! Great play from Turkey again as they attack down the left, and it arrives at the feet of Kokcu, but he is slightly off-balance and can only send his effort wide.

Chris Wilson18 June 2024 18:30
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GOAL! Turkey 2-1 Georgia

66 mins

GOAL! Another goal of the tournament contender for Turkey, this one from Arda Guler!

Turkey pile on the pressure and they work it from left to right. It ends up near the right wing at the feet of Arda Guler, who’s found himself in plenty of space. He takes a couple of touches towards goal before curling a brilliant effort into the far corner from around 25 yards out.

Chris Wilson18 June 2024 18:27

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