Turkey beat France for early lead
Friday, March 26, 2010
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France 0-1 Turkey
Abdullah Ercan's side made a winning start in their bid to qualify for a third straight finals thanks to Okan Derici.
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Turkey bid to appear in a third consecutive UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals remains on course after opening elite round Group 5 with victory against hosts France.
Okan Derici scored the only goal late in the first half for Turkey, who succeeded France as champions in 2005 and three years later beat them in the semi-finals. Turkey could qualify on Sunday if they beat Wales and Norway do not defeat France.
France had two chances early on through Mamadou Doucouré and namesake Abdoulaye Doucouré came close just past the half-hour, only for his shot to be blocked by a Turkish calf. Three minutes later Turkey were ahead, Derici playing the ball from the left and catching out goalkeeper Alphonse Areola. Although France had the better chances before the deadlock was broken, Turkey allowed them few chances to level. and they face the prospect of missing their first finals since 2006.
