The first goal of the EURO 2020 was scored by Turkish national football player Merih Demiral, who hit the ball into his own net in the opening match of the tournament against the Italian team.
The 23-year-old Demiral was charged with the own goal in the 53rd minute of the game.
Advantage Italy 🇮🇹
— BocaGalactico™️ (@BocaGalactico) June 11, 2021
1-0 after Merih Demiral scored an own goal pic.twitter.com/dhGpdPOLEo
✅ The 1st time an own goal has been the opening goal of a European Championships.
— SPORF (@Sporf) June 11, 2021
😬 An unwanted record for Merih Demiral. #EURO2020 #TUR #ITA pic.twitter.com/6FBujtEHoE
The first half ended in a draw with the few chances testing Turkish goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir.
But it seemed like Demiral's mistake brought bad luck to his entire team, as the score continued to rise in favor of the home side.
The Italians' advantage in the 66th minute was doubled by striker Ciro Immobile, who scored the second goal against the Turks.
Ciro Immobile scores the second for Italy.
— B/R Goal (@br_goal) June 11, 2021
_____________________________#TURITA | #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/YeMVg68WMd
The third goal of the Italian national team in the 79th minute was scored by Lorenzo Insigne. The Azzurri took advantage of their opponent's mistake on defense and brought Insigne to a shock position - Lorenzo perfectly capitalized on his chance.
Italy (-240) adds two more to take a 3-0 lead.
— TSN EDGE (@TSN_Edge) June 11, 2021
Ciro Immobile Anytime Goal +145 ✅
Lorenzo Insigne Anytime Goal +210 ✅
Over 2.5 Goals +130 ✅#EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/MTOYArGo0Y
The opening match of the Group A tournament between the national teams of Turkey and Italy is taking place at the Olympic Stadium in Rome. Recall that in Group A, in addition to the Italians and Turks, the national teams of Wales and Switzerland will be competing in the group.
The match ended with the Italians beating the Turks with a score of 3:0.
According to sports media, Demiral's score is the first time in the history of the EURO championship that the opening goal was an own goal.
The match also became Italy’s highest-scoring game in the modern era of the Euros. The Azzuri are otherwise renowned for playing defensive, physical and low-scoring games.