The opening game of Euro 2024 was supposed to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s night. The Portuguese legend was expected to further etch his name into the record books in pursuit of the all-time international goalscoring record. However, a rising Turkish star had other ideas, stealing the show and breaking one of Ronaldo’s long-standing records in the process.
Arda Guler’s Dream Euros Debut
When 19-year-old Arda Guler came off the bench in the 67th minute of Turkey’s Group B opener against Georgia, few could have predicted the teenage sensation would make such a seismic impact. But the Fenerbahce midfielder, dubbed the “Turkish Messi,” did exactly that, scoring a stunning long-range goal in the 77th minute to seal a 3-1 victory for his nation.
Receiving the ball near the halfway line, Guler showed remarkable poise for one so young, taking a couple of touches to set himself before unleashing an unstoppable dipping strike that flew into the top corner, leaving the Georgian goalkeeper grasping at thin air. Cue pandemonium in the Turkish end of Signal Iduna Park as the youngster celebrated wildly in front of the adoring fans.
Ronaldo’s Record Broken at Euro 2024
Guler’s moment of magic wasn’t just visually breathtaking – it was historic. At 19 years and 114 days old, he became the youngest player ever to score on his European Championship debut, smashing the previous record held by Cristiano Ronaldo by a staggering 122 days.
Social media exploded in the aftermath, with fans and pundits alike heaping praise on the Turkish wonderkid. The “Turkish Messi” nickname began trending as many tipped Guler as a potential heir to Lionel Messi’s throne in world football.
Turkey Battles to Opening Win
Turkey had taken the lead through a spectacular Mert Muldur volley midway through the first half in Dortmund. But Georgia equalized just after the hour mark through Georges Mikautadze to set up a tense finale.
Enter Guler. The teenage substitute’s moment of magic, followed by a late third goal from veteran striker Kerem Akturkoglu, finally killed off Georgia’s resistance and sealed a hard-fought 3-1 win for Senol Gunes’ side.
There was also controversy, with a disallowed Cengiz Under goal just before halftime leaving the Turkish players and fans incensed at the VAR decision to rule it out for a marginal offside.
Group of Death Awaits for Turkey
Nonetheless, Turkey will take huge confidence from their opening night victory, especially Guler’s record-breaking heroics. But much sterner tests lie ahead in the so-called “Group of Death,” with games to come against heavyweights Italy, Denmark and Russia.
If Guler can continue his sparkling form, Turkey may just upset the odds and advance from a daunting group. And the teenage star’s name will only grow in global prominence if he maintains his record-breaking beginnings.
Changing of the Guard?
While Georgia put up a stern test, all eyes were originally on Cristiano Ronaldo going into this tournament. The 39-year-old was expected to move closer to the all-time international goals record held by Iran’s Ali Daei.
But Ronaldo’s thunder was comprehensively stolen by Guler. The Portuguese superstar is undoubtedly in the twilight of his remarkable career, while the teenage Turk is only just getting started.
Could this Euro 2024 mark the beginning of a changing of the guard at the very top of the game? Guler’s heroics in Dortmund have certainly sent shockwaves around world football. If he can back up this record-breaking start, a new global superstar may just have been born.
