Turkish triumph ends hosts' hopes
Thursday, March 25, 2004
Article summary
Poland 1-2 Turkey Turkey are one point away from qualifying after two Ergin Keles goals eliminate Poland.
Article body
Turkey triumph
A 3-1 win against Italy two days ago had given 1993/94 U16 tournament victors Turkey the perfect start, while Poland had lost 4-3 to Serbia and Montenegro. And it was Turkey who scored first today as Keles put them ahead on 24 minutes. Wojciech Wocial levelled the scores a minute before half-time, but Poland's campaign was ended when Keles registered again just before the hour.
One point away
A draw will be enough for Turkey to earn a place in the finals for the first time since the switch from Under-16 to U17 in 2001/02 when they take on Serbia and Montenegro on Saturday. Poland must beat fellow eliminated nation Italy the same day to avoid finishing fourth.