Turkey embarks on its Euro 2024 journey with a crucial opening match against newcomer Georgia on Tuesday. A victory in this encounter would be a significant boost for the Turkish team, seeking redemption after their disappointing performance in Euro 2020, where they suffered losses in all three group-stage games. Despite their setbacks, Turkey impressed during qualification for Germany, topping a group that included 2022 World Cup finalist Croatia. However, their recent form has been inconsistent. Since a 3-2 victory over Germany in Berlin in November, Turkey has endured a five-game winless streak, including a heavy 6-1 defeat to Austria in a friendly match in March, before drawing with reigning champion Italy this month.
Turkey’s hopes of advancing from a group that also includes Euro 2016 winners Portugal and the Czech Republic hinge largely on the performance of captain and midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, a key figure in Inter Milan’s Serie A-winning squad. The team also has high expectations for attacking midfielder Arda Guler, the 19-year-old who returned from injury to score five goals in five games at the end of Real Madrid’s triumphant La Liga campaign.
Meanwhile, Georgia is participating in its first-ever major tournament and faces a daunting task as the clear underdog in Group F. Their slim chances of qualifying for the last 16 will heavily depend on the contributions of talisman Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Despite having talent on both ends of the pitch, with Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili reportedly attracting interest from several top European clubs and forward Georges Mikautadze impressing on loan at Metz last season, Georgia’s fate largely rests on the shoulders of Napoli’s Kvaratskhelia, nicknamed “Kvaradona” in a nod to Diego Maradona—perhaps the highest compliment Napoli fans can bestow.
“It was the greatest dream of every Georgian to become a part of such an important tournament, and it was the happiest day for all of us when we achieved it,” Kvaratskhelia told UEFA.com. “But we didn’t come here just to attend, we wish to leave our mark on Euro 2024, to write a new page of history.”
With Portugal, brimming with talent, expected to dominate Group F, Turkey and the Czech Republic, who face each other on June 26, are likely to be the contenders for second place. However, Turkey must first navigate past Georgia, a team unburdened by expectations and aiming to become the fifth side to secure the European Championship title on its debut. The stage is set for a compelling match as Turkey and Georgia clash in the opening round of Euro 2024, with both teams eager to make their mark on the tournament.
