Kerem Aktürkoglu’s brace helps Turkey hold off late Georgian surge despite red card drama in thrilling 3-2 win
Tbilisi, Georgia — Turkey emerged victorious from a pulsating World Cup qualifying encounter at the Boris Paichadze Stadium, defeating Georgia 3-2 in a match that featured early dominance, dramatic comebacks, and late controversy. The victory moves Turkey to the top of Group E with three points, while Georgia remains pointless after their opening fixture.
Early Turkish Dominance Sets the Tone
Turkey established control from the opening moments, with Mert Müldür heading home from close range in just the third minute following an Arda Güler corner. The early goal reflected Turkey’s tactical preparation and set-piece execution, providing the perfect start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.
The visitors doubled their advantage in the 41st minute when Kerem Aktürkoglu converted from the center of the box following a set-piece situation. Aktürkoglu’s clinical finishing demonstrated the quality that has made him a key component of Turkey’s attacking setup, while Georgia’s defensive struggles were exposed by Turkey’s movement and creativity.
Turkey appeared to have secured a comfortable victory when Aktürkoglu completed his brace seven minutes into the second half, again finding the net from the center of the box with assistance from Yunus Akgün. At 3-0, the match seemed decided, but Georgia had other plans.
Georgian Fightback Creates Drama
The home side’s revival began in the 63rd minute when Zuriko Davitashvili reduced the deficit with a well-placed left-footed effort from the center of the box. The goal came after Anzor Mekvabishvili struck the post, highlighting Georgia’s persistence despite the challenging scoreline.
Georgia’s momentum received an unexpected boost in the 71st minute when Turkey’s Baris Alper Yilmaz was shown a red card following a VAR review. The dismissal, which appeared to stem from a dangerous challenge on Giorgi Kochorashvili, shifted the match’s dynamics significantly and provided Georgia with a numerical advantage for the final twenty minutes.
Late Drama and Kvaratskhelia Magic
The match reached its crescendo in stoppage time when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Georgia’s talismanic winger, produced a moment of individual brilliance. The Napoli star cut inside from the left and curled a right-footed effort into the bottom left corner, setting up a frantic finale with Georgia trailing by just one goal.
Kvaratskhelia’s strike, coming in the 98th minute, demonstrated the quality that has made him one of Europe’s most coveted players. His ability to create something from nothing nearly rescued a point for Georgia, who threw everything forward in the dying moments.
Tactical Analysis and Key Performances
Turkey’s 4-2-3-1 formation provided the structure for their early dominance, with Aktürkoglu’s movement between the lines causing constant problems for Georgia’s 4-4-2 setup. Arda Güler’s creativity from the right side of the attacking midfield trio was particularly effective, as evidenced by his assist for the opening goal.
Georgia’s response after going 3-0 down showcased their resilience and the individual quality within their squad. Kvaratskhelia’s influence grew as the match progressed, while Davitashvili’s goal provided the spark for their comeback attempt.
The statistics reflected an even contest despite the scoreline, with Georgia enjoying 54.4% possession and registering 15 shots to Turkey’s six. However, Turkey’s clinical finishing in the first half proved decisive, converting three of their limited opportunities.
Group E Implications
Turkey’s victory provides them with the perfect start to Group E qualifying, establishing early control in what promises to be a competitive group. The three points are crucial given the strength of potential opponents and the limited number of automatic qualification spots available.
For Georgia, the defeat represents a missed opportunity to gain points against a direct rival, but their second-half performance encourages upcoming fixtures. Their ability to create chances and pressure opponents, even when trailing significantly, suggests they will be competitive throughout the qualifying campaign.
Disciplinary Concerns and Tactical Adjustments
The match featured numerous yellow cards and the crucial red card that changed its trajectory. Turkey accumulated three yellow cards, including a late booking for Hakan Çalhanoglu, while Georgia received four yellow cards, reflecting the match’s intensity and competitive nature.
Turkey’s ability to manage the game after Yilmaz’s dismissal demonstrated its experience and tactical discipline. Despite being reduced to ten men, they maintained their defensive shape and prevented Georgia from creating clear-cut chances until Kvaratskhelia’s late intervention.
Looking Forward
Turkey’s victory establishes them as early favorites to secure one of Group E’s qualification spots, though the dramatic nature of this encounter suggests the group will remain competitive throughout the campaign. Their clinical finishing and tactical organization provide a solid foundation for future matches.
Georgia’s spirited comeback attempt, despite the disappointing result, offers hope for their remaining fixtures. Kvaratskhelia’s continued development and the team’s fighting spirit suggest they will be capable of securing points against other group opponents.
The match served as a perfect example of World Cup qualifying’s unpredictable nature, where early advantages can quickly evaporate and individual moments of quality can change entire campaigns.
UEFA News:
- Wales Edge Kazakhstan to Take Group J Lead in World Cup Qualifying
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic wins UEFA President’s Award for Achievements in European Football
- UEFA Changes UEFA Champions League Kickoff Time For Better Matchday Experience
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