Turkey close in on finals berth
Wednesday, April 21, 2004
Article summary
Romania 0-4 Turkey Two goals from Kerim Zengin help the hosts to a second successive Group 5 victory.
Article body
Turkey closed in on a place in this summer's UEFA European Under-19 Championship final round with a resounding 4-0 victory against Romania in Kusadasi.
Second victory
The victory marked a second consecutive win for the Group 5 mini-tournament hosts and left Müjdat Yalman's side needing only a point from their final qualifier, against Russia on Friday, to book a place in this summer’s final tournament in Switzerland.
Zengin zeal
Despite the comfortable final margin of the victory, it took Turkey until the 32nd minute to find a way through the Croatian defence before Kerim Zengin broke the deadlock. Six minutes later it was 2-0, Olcan Adin pouncing to double his side's lead.
Late strikes
The first half had been an opening and entertaining affair, and Turkey continued to control the match in the second period. Ali Öztürk increased the advantage in the 75th minute, and Zengin wrapped up the win with his second and Turkey's fourth eight minutes from time.