In qualification group E, Turkey took a first big step towards the 2026 World Cup with a 3: 2 (2: 0) in Georgia.
After the game, the cheers with the Turks were great. The goals of Mert Müldür (3rd minute) and Kerem Aktürkoglu (41st and 52nd minute) ensured a deserved victory. Zuriko Davitasshvilis (63.) and Khvicha Kvaratskhelias (90.+8) Hits were late to turn the game.
A final at the start
After the draw of the UEFA qualification groups for the World Cup, a special constellation resulted in Turkey and Georgia. Because nobody really expects European champion Spain and the fourth opponent Bulgaria has not shocked in 84th place in the world rankings, the first group game has already become a kind of final.
With the better start for Vincenzo Montellas Turks: After two and a half minutes, Müldür jumped after a corner at the highest and headed the ball from eleven meters into the corner. As a result, a competitive game developed. A scene in the sixth minute was symbolical for the high intensity. Georgia’s superstar Kvicha Kvaratskhelia was to take the ball on the center line and was immediately surrounded by four Turks.
Aktürkoglu increased
While Turkey always came dangerously in front of the goal after mistakes in the Georgian game structure, the hosts struggled against the Turkish defense bar. Nevertheless, the game was never bored due to the numerous intensive duels.
Shortly before the break, it was another standard that gave Turkey the second goal. The Georgian defense could not clarify a free kick from the half field. Aktürkoglu shot the ball from eleven meters confidently into the right lower corner.
Self -confident with their deserved lead in the back, the Turks looked for the quick decision after the break. In doing so, they were able to rely on the uncertain defense of the Georgians. After a hair -raising bad pass from Kashia, the Turkish offensive combined in the penalty area. There again completed Aktürkoglu.
Red card and goal, but Türkiye remains calm
But the hosts trained by Willy Sagnol did not want to give up yet. While the game became more and more rough, they were looking for their chance. Davitashvili, one of the fine dribblers in the Georgian offensive, was then the one to the 1-3 connection after a post shot that he had submitted himself.
When the Turkish attacker Baris Yilmaz, just substituted, saw the red card in the 71st minute, the home side finally switched to permanent attack. But for a long time, the Turks succeeded with combining these attempts. The agile Kvaratskhelia also only remained long -distance shots in view of the defense block. He hit the connection late in added time. His goal was late.
With their ultimately deserved victory, the Vincenzo Montella team takes a first big step in the Richrung World Cup 2026.