Football News: Arda Guler Shines for Turkey in Euro 2024 Opener
In a thrilling start to their Euro 2024 campaign, Turkey secured a 3-1 victory over Georgia, thanks in large part to a stunning performance from 19-year-old sensation Arda Guler.
The young midfielder, who joined Real Madrid last summer, has already made his mark on the international stage, scoring a contender for goal of the tournament. Guler’s curled effort from 25 yards out in the second half proved to be the decisive moment, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance and sending the Turkish fans into raptures.
Guler’s impressive display saw him complete all 29 of his passes in the first half, the only player to achieve this feat. His three chances created were also the most of any player on the pitch, showcasing his attacking prowess.
“That right there is my goal of the tournament, you will not see a better goal,” said former England defender Alvin Martin, who was commentating on the match for talkSPORT. “Left foot, 20 yards out, the moment it left his foot it was a goal of the highest order.”
Guler’s strike made him the youngest player to score on their European Championship debut, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s record set in 2004. The 19-year-old’s performance has already drawn praise from the experts, with European football expert Kevin Hatchard highlighting him as a player to watch before the tournament.
“Arda Guler is only 19, but he’s a lovely attacking midfielder for Turkey,” Hatchard said. “He scored a brilliant goal against Wales and he’s somebody who was scoring goals for Real Madrid towards the end of this season. He’s a young player that plays with no fear, really good to watch, a great crosser of the ball with his left or his right foot.”
Turkey’s victory was not without its drama, as Georgia managed to equalize shortly after Mert Muldur had given the Turks the lead. However, Guler’s moment of magic and a late goal from Kerem Akturkoglu sealed the win for the Euro 2024 hopefuls.
Ahead of the match, Guler revealed that Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti had sent him a message of support, saying, “My coach Ancelotti sent me a message before the match and wished me success. Real Madrid’s support also motivates me a lot.”
Turkey’s next challenge will be a tough one, as they face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal on Saturday. With Arda Guler in this kind of form, the Turks will be confident of causing an upset and taking another step towards the knockout stages of the tournament.
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