Turkey vs Georgia Predictions

• Turkey are winless in five internationals
• This is Georgia’s first ever participation in a major tournament
• Turkey won the last meeting between the two 3-1 back in 2012

Crescent-Stars should get winning start in Dortmund

After failing to live up to their “dark hose” moniker in Euro 2020, Turkey will be looking for a stronger showing in Germany and could get off to a perfect start when they take on European Championship debutants Georgia on matchday one of Group F.

The Crescent-Stars lost just one of their eight qualifying matches as they topped Group D on 17 points – one point ahead of runners-up Croatia, a nation ranked 10th in the world by FIFA – and have won three of their last five meetings with Georgia, although the most recent of these came back in 2012 in a 3-1 international friendly victory.

While Turkey did score 14 goals during qualification, the most of any side in Group D, no one player took up the goalscoring mantle for Vincenzo Montella’s side – with Galatasaray’s Kerem Akturkoglu and Besiktas’ frontman Cenk Tosun leading the way with two goals each – showing the threat they have from all areas of the field.

Georgia will not be wanting to just make up the numbers in Germany and the Crusaders do go into the tournament on a run of just one defeat from their last six matches – a streak which includes their memorable penalty shootout victory over Greece in their play-off final.

However, their performances in qualifying will not offer too much in the way of hope for Willy Sagnol’s side after they finished fourth in Group A with eight points, nine behind second-placed Scotland.

Turkey have previous tournament experience heading into Germany and this could prove pivotal in deciding the outcome of this encounter, with Georgia potentially receiving a harsh reality check in Dortmund.

Hak- can lead by example with a goal

A loss in the opening game could set the tone for the remainder of the group stages and so Turkey could be made to work for the opener against Georgia.

One of their stars will likely have to take the game by the scruff of the neck and captain Hakan Calhanoglu is more than capable of doing so.

The 30-year-old is heading into Germany on the back of a brilliant domestic season with the Nerazzurri, netting 13 Serie A goals in what was his best league return since 2013.

A free-kick and set piece specialist, Calahanoglu can be relied upon from close and long range and could help Turkey to a first major tournament victory since 2016 with a goal. A win and clean sheet looks likely for the Turks and a 2-0 final score draws some appeal.