Euro 2024: Georges Mikautadze makes Georgia history as he scores country's first ever goal in a major international tournament against Turkey
Georgia's forward Georges Mikautadze made history today (Monday, June 18) with a goal against Turkey at the UEFA Euro 2024. The 23-year-old became the first player of his nation to score in a major international tournament.
After successfully navigating through the qualifiers, the Crusaders made history in March this year by officially booking their place at the German showpiece. It marks their first-ever appearance in the competition.
In their opening game against Turkey in Group F, Mikautadze became the first Georgian international player to score a goal in a major international tournament. Having fallen behind in the 25th minute, the eastern European side quickly looked for a response. They found themselves level in the tie only seven minutes later.
Following a good buildup play on the right side of the pitch, Giorgi Kochorashvili laid it off for Mikautadze, who was unmarked inside the box. The Metz striker calmly slotted it home beyond Turkish goalkeeper Mert Günok, thereby writing his name into history books.
This was only his 11th international goal for Georgia, but perhaps the most important one of his career yet.
Turkey and Georgia playing out a thriller
At the time of writing, Turkey and Georgia are locked at 1-1 at halftime, and it's been an absolutely breathtaking affair. Both sides have been going at each other at full pelt, with the Crescent-Stars first taking the lead and the Crusaders promptly clawing their way back into the game.
Just in the first 45 minutes, there have been a staggering 17 shots, with Turkey accounting for 11. However, it's the Crusaders who've been more accurate with three on target, compared to the former's one.
It was billed as the least exciting clash of Euro 2024 so far, with two minnows going at each other. However, it has rather served up a treat so far with its fast-paced, high-octane nature of the clash.
They will hope to get all three points as they look to proceed to the knockouts. Portugal and Czechia comprise the other two members in Group F.