Ukraine pass Turkish test

By Türker Tozar at the Sükrü Saraçoglu

Andriy Shevchenko scored twice as Ukraine took advantage of Denmark's slip against Georgia to move five points clear at the top of FIFA World Cup Group 2 with a comprehensive 3-0 win against Turkey in Istanbul.

Turkey third
The Danes' 2-2 draw in Tbilisi allowed Ukraine to surge clear thanks to Oleh Husev's ninth-minute strike and a goal in each half from AC Milan centre-forward Shevchenko. The defeat, Turkey's first in five qualifying matches, left the home side third on six points.

Husev finish
Although Turkey made a positive start and almost went ahead on five minutes through Nihat Kahveci, they soon found themselves 1-0 down. Andriy Voronin carried the ball down the left flank before finding Husev, who put his team ahead with a smooth and powerful shot.

Turkish changes
Shevchenko capitalised on a defensive error by Servet Çetin eight minutes later and duly doubled the lead, prompting Turkey coach Ersun Yanal to replace Servet with Fenerbahçe SK forward Tuncay Sanli before half an hour had elapsed. Tuncay patrolled the left wing, Gökdeniz moved wide right and Okan Buruk sat back to fill the gap at the back, with Ümit Özat switching sides to play left-back.

Voronin effort
The changes failed to unsettle the visitors, who continued to attack on the break with Shevchenko, Andriy Husin, Husev and Voronin all causing trouble in the Turkish defence. It was Voronin who rattled the crossbar eleven minutes before half-time, missing the chance to put his side three goals ahead at the interval.

Nihat hopeful
Turkey lacked composure and struggled to create attacks. Real Sociedad de Fútbol striker Nihat was forced to test the Ukrainian goalkeeper from long range while FC Internazionale Milano's Emre Belözoglu was the only Turkish player to stand firm in midfield. Yanal even introduced Yildiray Bastürk and Necati Ates to the action but to little effect.

Shevchenko assured
Ukraine, for their part, made it difficult for their hosts with tight play at the back. Coach Oleh Blokhin's defensive substitutions helped keep Turkey at bay and when Shevchenko was presented with a chance to double his tally for the night a minute from time, he made no mistake.

Forthcoming fixtures
Turkey must wait until 26 March next year for a chance to get their campaign back on track when they take on Albania at home, seven weeks after the Albanians welcome Ukraine to Tirana.