Turkey take over in second

By Türker Tozar

Turkey climbed into second place in UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 2 with an emphatic 4-0 victory against Albania at the Ali Sami Yen stadium.

Early strikes
Kayserispor midfield player Mehmet Topuz gave Turkey the lead when he headed in Sabri Sarioglu's right-wing cross in the 12th minute. Eleven minutes later it was 2-0 as Ibrahim Akin advanced from the halfway line and found Karsiyaka striker Gökhan Kaba, who doubled his side's advantage.

Turkish dominance
Having dominated the first half, Turkey continued to control the match in the second period, with Sabri's fine chip rebounding off the crossbar four minutes after half-time. Five minutes later it was three, Gökhan winning a penalty as he was brough down inside the area by the Albanian goalkeeper, and Ibrahim Akin duly converted the spot-kick. Seconds before the final whistle, substitute Bilal Kisa rounded off a fine win with a powerful long-range shot.

Tuesday matches
Turkey therefore moved above Ukraine, who did not play today, and on to eleven points from six matches. Rasit Çetiner's team next travel to Georgia on Tuesday while Albania, who remained fifth in the standings, next visit Greece, also on 29 March.