(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Teenager Arda Guler scored on his European Championship debut as Turkey broke Georgia’s hearts with a thrilling Group F victory in Dortmund.
Right-back Mert Muldur gave Turkey the lead in the 25th minute with an outrageous volley into the top corner, leaving Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili no chance.
But seven minutes later, Georges Mikautadze scored Georgia’s first goal in a major tournament after expertly guiding Giorgi Kochorashvili’s cross into the near corner.
In the 65th minute, Real Madrid forward Guler became the third teenager to score on his Euros debut with a sublime, curling strike into the top corner from 25 yards.
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Georgia, also playing in a Euros for the first time, fought valiantly and almost snatched a leveller.
Having shown plenty of heart and skill, Willy Sagnol’s side came close when Kochorashvili missed a late opportunity, having earlier hit the bar.
And in a frantic finale, they struck the post and had a goalbound effort from Budu Zivzivadze blocked by the head of Samet Akaydin in the fifth minute of added time.
But Turkey sealed the success with the last kick of the game as substitute Kerem Akturkoglu broke clear and, with keeper Mamardashvili having come up for a corner, rolled a finish into an empty net.
Dortmund’s famous yellow wall became the red wall as Turkish fans celebrated wildly after their side – on manager Vincenzo Montella’s 50th birthday – picked up a valuable three points.
Turkey will look to make it two wins on the bounce on Saturday when they face Portugal, while Georgia play the Czech Republic.
BBC Sports