Don’t be fooled, matchday 5 may have only had two games but both were full of action and one was an early contender for game of the tournament – that even had some idealising about bringing back a Balkans tournament. Here’s what happened on day 5 of Euro 2024 and how it impacted our quest to find out if Adidas or Nike has the best boots.
Turkey Beat Georgia in Thriller
The rain pelted down before kick off, giving us vibes of the Old Trafford waterfalls we saw in the Premier League earlier on in the year. But the groundsmen did wonders, and despite fears the game would be called off, made sure we were good to go.
Turkey caused a storm on the pitch, starting well. Kaan Ayhan’s first-time effort thundered off the post and ran across the line, giving the Georgians an early scare. Mert Müldür was on noone’s list for being first scorer, but as the ball floated to him from the edge of the box, he rifled it into the top corner to open the scoring.
After VAR came to Georgia’s rescue, disallowing a second Turkish goal, Georges Mikautadze took full advantage five minutes later to slid it past keeper Mert Gunok just after the half-hour mark. He became his country’s first ever scorer at a major championships.
Turkish Messi
If I was any good at football, and Turkish, I’d also be dubbed the Turkish Messi. But alas, this title was reserved for forward Arda Güler. Midway through the second half, he collected the ball and unleashed a rocket into the top corner from 25+ yards out to reclaim the lead for Turkey.
Georgia pushed for another equaliser in a game that if watching, was truly a fantastic way to spend a Tuesday afternoon. With the Georgian keeper up, Samet Akaydin deflected a goal-bound effort, heading away from the danger zone. A dramatic finish ended with Turkey breaking away from the resulting Georgia corner. With the goal missing a keeper, Kerem Aktürkoğlu raced away and slotted home into an empty net. The Turkish subs went sprinting down the line from the bench, paying testament to just what an absolute battle the game was for them.
What a game. What a tournament. What a life.
Adidas
Aktürkoğlu (Goal): 2
Mikautadze (Goal): 2
Nike
Güler (Goal) 3 (MOTM): 4
Müldür (Goal): 3
Running Total: Adidas 45 – Nike 68
Portugal Leave it Late Against the Czechs
After such a great opener to the day, Portugal v Czech Republic didn’t live up to its predecessor. Portugal pushed in the first half, but had little more than a couple of Cristiano Ronaldo efforts and a shot on target from range to show for it. Czech Republic were resolute in defending but offered little up top.
That was until Lukáš Provod, with just their second shot of the game, curled one beautifully into the top corner. As the ball was laid back to him, his effort was always fading away from the keeper and he had no chance in saving it. Was another shock on the cards?
Portugal’s Late Comeback
The Czech lead lasted just seven measly minutes. In the 69th minute, a deep cross was headed back across goal by Nuno Mendes. Jindrich Stanek impressively dove out of his net, impressively anticipating the effort but less-than impressively pushed it straight against his defender. It Robin Hranáč, who could do nothing but watch the ball trickle into the net.
A Portugal onslaught ensued, but the Czech held strong until the 87th minute. Ronaldo sent a powerful header towards goal. It rebounded back off the post straight to Diogo Jota, who headed in from close range. Enter VAR. It deemed Ronaldo was offside from the initial cross, and kept the scores level.
That was until five minutes later, when the ball fell fortuitously to Francisco Conceicao. He couldn’t miss from a few yards out and proceeded to do what we’d all do in that situation. Bang the ball home, top off and sprint round half the stadium as if you’ve just scored a 40-yard volley.
Donkey of the Day had to be awarded to Ronaldo for his less-than classy celebration, taunting a couple of the Czech players after the last winner. Come on Ronny, you’re better than that.
Adidas
Conceicao (Goal): 2
Nike
Vitinha (MOTM): 4
Ronaldo (DOTD): -5
Hranáč (Own Goal): -2
Provod (Goal): 3
Running Total: Adidas 47 – Nike 68
Boot Battle Standings (Adidas 47 Nike 68) – Matchday 5:
Adidas claw back some of Nike’s lead after day 5 of the Euros. It would have been considerably worse for Adidas had Ronaldo not have had a dig at the Czech, and a rather fortunate (or unfortunate depending on which side you see it from) own goal by Hranáč lost Nike further points.
The Scots are back in action tomorrow after their demolition at the hands of hosts Germany. They too play their second game against a Hungary side desperate for a result. Croatia and Albania open the action in the day’s 14:00 kick off.
