Georges Mikautadze Makes History With Georgia’s First UEFA Euro Championship Goal Against Turkey

• Georges Mikautadze ensured Georgia were level heading into half-time with a brilliant first-half equaliser against Turkey
• The goal by the 23-year-old on-loan Ajax star was his nation’s maiden strike at the UEFA European championships
• The versatile Metz forward etched his name into history with his near-post finish against Vincenzo Montella’s side

Georges Mikautadze ensured Georgia left an indelible mark on their inaugural UEFA European Championship appearance with a first-half equaliser against the highly-favoured Turkish squad.

Willy Sagnol's team, widely predicted to be the underdogs of Group F, refused to be mere bystanders and instead put up a spirited fight in their group-stage opener on June 18.

The encounter against Turkey initially seemed one-sided, and it was no surprise the Crescent-Stars seized the lead with a splendid finish in the 25th minute by Fenerbahce full-back, Mert Muldur.

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However, just when it seemed the Turkish side was gaining momentum and poised to dominate, Mikautadze delivered a crucial equaliser.

The immensely dependable forward expertly converted a precise low cross from midfielder, Giorgi Kochorashvili, levelling the score for his team.

While some may have viewed the 23-year-old's finish as routine, it was undeniably a statement goal, marking the Tbilisi boys' debut on Europe's biggest stage.

According to data from Opta Joe, it was Georgia's first-ever goal in the history of the European Championship and also their maiden goal at a major international football tournament.

Unsurprisingly, fans of the Georgian squad have flooded social media with celebrations, recognising this milestone moment in the annals of Georgian football.

Fans celebrate Georgia’s maiden Euro goal

@Shoaib55, clearly inspired by the goal, posted:

"History begins now for Georgia."

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@ManLikeTT echoed the sentiment, saying:

"What a moment for the entire nation! 🔥🔥"

@ArvindRaghava5 congratulated coach Sagnol's side, posting:

"Congratulations, Georgia! 🇬🇪 🙌 🔥"

@RMAdridistas_KM took a playful jab at Kylian Mbappe, noting:

"Georgia's got their first Euro goal before Kylian 😭😭🤍"

@emmy4life02 summed it up simply:

"What a performance! 👏"

The Crusaders will now aim to build on this positive result against Turkey as they face off against the Czech Republic and Portugal in their two upcoming fixtures.

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Sports Brief also previously reported on Italian midfielder, Davide Frattesi's comments on his team's strategy to thwart the Spanish national team.

Both European football giants are set to renew their rivalry at the Euro showpiece on June 20, with the Azzurri looking to defend their Euro 2020 trophy.