Key Takeaways:
- Turkiey secured a 3:2 victory away to Georgia in Group E of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, zone UEFA, last night
- Barış Yılmaz and Georgia boss Willy Sagnol both received red cards in a dramatic second half
- Georgia will host Bulgaria in Tbilisi and Turkiey are set to face Spain in Konya on Sunday
Match Overview and Early Dominance
In a riveting start to Group E in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, zone UEFA, Turkiey claimed a narrow 3:2 win against Georgia away from home. The group also features Bulgaria and reigning European champions Spain, setting the stage for a challenging campaign.
Turkey opened the scoring within three minutes when Mert Müldür headed home from a corner, instantly putting the visitors ahead. Turkiey continued to apply pressure throughout the opening period and increased their advantage in the 41st minute. A misplaced clearance from Georgia following a free-kick saw Kerem Aktürkoğlu slot home with a low, deflected shot.
🇹🇷 Turkey holds on against Georgia to pick up three points!#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/0tMIEfufUo
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) September 4, 2025
Second Half: Momentum Shifts and Late Drama
Vincenzo Montella’s side extended their lead in the 52nd minute. Georgian captain Guram Kashia’s misjudgement allowed Turkey to orchestrate a rapid passing sequence, culminating in Aktürkoğlu netting his second of the evening. Georgia rallied after conceding again, reducing the deficit in the 63rd minute through Zuriko Davitashvili. Following a determined run, Davitashvili’s pass found Anzor Mekvabishvili, whose attempt struck the post before bouncing back kindly for Davitashvili to convert.
Controversy erupted in the 71st minute as Turkey were reduced to ten men. Substitute Barış Yılmaz was dismissed after a VAR review for a dangerous challenge on Giorgi Kochorashvili. Soon after, Georgia’s head coach Willy Sagnol also received a red card, ruling him out of the upcoming fixture against Bulgaria.
Final Moments and Upcoming Fixtures
Georgia intensified their attacks during the nine minutes of additional time, eventually narrowing the gap in the dying seconds as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia fired in from the edge of the box. However, Turkiey goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır made a decisive save from Davitashvili moments later to secure all three points for the visitors.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Georgia are set to welcome Bulgaria in Tbilisi, while Turkey prepare to host Spain in Konya.
