In a tricky looking Group F in which Turkey rank as the third-best rated nation according to FIFA, a clash with the group’s lowest-ranked nation, tournament debutants Georgia, has a must-win feel to it. Despite what sailing through qualifying with relative ease (W5, D2, L1) would suggest, the Turks are completely of form ahead of this opener and arrive in Dortmund on the back of a five match winless run (D2, L3).
Some shallow H2H history between these two nations would suggest Turkey look well-placed to end that run here (W3, D1, L1), with this the pair’s first clash since 2012. Unfortunately for Turkey, that’s one of few historical omens working in their favour as they tend to start European championships slowly, losing their opening game in all five of their finals appearances to date, four of which came ‘to nil’.
That’s music to the ears of Georgia, who know that if they can extend Turkey’s losing streak, then there’s a chance they could advance to the last 16 as a best third-placed finisher. Whether they advance or not though, this tournament will be historic regardless, as their play-off triumph against Greece booked their spot at a first-ever major tournament.
Boss Willy Sagnol was the brains behind their historic qualification, and with three successive victories in tow, Georgia should arrive full of confidence. Those wins did all come against relatively low-ranked nations, and with Turkey ranked #40, Georgia will have to do something they haven’t done since November 2021 and beat a nation currently in FIFA’s top-40.
Players to watch: The eighth-most capped player in Turkish football history, Hakan Çalhanoğlu is playing at his third successive Euro finals, with all five of his appearances to date ending in defeat, while he was booked in the last two. Budu Zivzivadze could be a danger man for Georgia having scored three of their last five goals, while his last four international scoring appearances saw him net the game’s last goal.
Hot stat: 11 of Turkey’s 14 goals at Euro finals have arrived after half-time.
• Full Match : 1fichier Mega PixD Swiss GoFile