Merih Demiral wrote his name into the history books during the Euro 2020 opener between Turkey and Italy, but for all the wrong reasons.
Turkey headed into the Euro 2020 tournament as one of the dark horses – unlikely to be anyone’s tip to win the the whole thing, but with a strong squad and heading into it in good form.
It didn’t take long for Italy to show them just how far away they are from being competitive, with Roberto Mancini’s men turning on the style and eventually picking the Turks apart.
While Italy were good value for the opening goal and there was superb team-play in the build-up to create the opportunity, but it wasn’t an Italian who provided the finishing touch past the goalkeeper.
READ MORE: (Video) Calamitous Merih Demiral own goal gifts Italy lead over Turkey in Euro 2020 opener
Rather, Juventus centre-back Merih Demiral, who couldn’t adjust his body in time and instead diverted the ball into the back of his own net, meaning the opening goal of the tournament was an own goal.
That is, as revealed by Squawka, the first time it’s ever happened in the European Championships. History has been made on the opening night of Euro 2020, but for all the wrong reasons.
This is the first time in European Championship history that the opening goal of the tournament has been an own goal.
Merih Demiral goes into the history books. #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/aMHj7SW5fq
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 11, 2021
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