Thibaut Courtois and Mesut Ozil react on social media as Real Madrid star Arda Guler scores wondergoal for Turkey in Euro 2024 clash against Georgia
Thibaut Courtois and Mesut Ozil reacted on social media after Real Madrid forward Arda Guler scored a wondergoal for Turkey in their EURO 2024 opener against Georgia. The two teams faced off in a Group F fixture on Tuesday, June 18.
Mert Muldur opened the scoring for Turkey in the 25th minute, as the ball dropped kindly for the full-back, who found the top right corner with a ferocious effort. They doubled the scoreline only two minutes later, but VAR ruled out the strike to keep the score at 1-0.
Georges Mikautadze scored the equalizer for Georgia in the 32nd minute after impressive link-up play, and both sides entered the half-time break on equal footing. They both had chances to get ahead, but it was eventually Real Madrid forward Arda Guler who found the back of the net.
The 19-year-old attacker took his only shot of the game from distance, sending a beautiful curler into the top left-corner, as it grazed the bar before going in. Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and former player Mesut Ozil reacted on social media to the wondergoal.
Courtois, who is not playing for Belgium in the EUROs, posted on X, "Ardaaa abi," adding emojis and tagging the teenager in his post:
Former Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Ozil reacted on his Instagram Stories (via Madrid Zone):
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti sent message to Arda Guler ahead of EURO 2024
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti sent a message to Arda Guler ahead of the youngster playing in EURO 2024. After scoring a beautiful goal to hand his country all three points against Georgia, Guler told the media that he had received a message from his club head coach.
Arda Guler, who was named the Player of the Match, said (via Fabrizio Romano):
“My coach Ancelotti sent me a message before the match and wished me success. Real Madrid’s support motivates me a lot.”
Back in May, Ancelotti spoke about Guler's best position after he scored two goals against Villarreal in La Liga (via GSFN):
“His position? The closer to the penalty area, the better. The best way to say it… he has something special.”
The 19-year-old made his senior debut for Turkey in November 2022 and has since made seven appearances for the national team. He will hope to make a positive impact in the ongoing European Championships.