Turkey take it easy in Vaduz

Turkey consolidated their position at the top of Group 7 with a 3-0 UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying win in Liechtenstein.

Arm's length
First-half goals from Tumer Metin and Okan Buruk gave Turkey a flying start and a third from veteran striker Hakan Sükür early in the second half saw Senol Günes' side keep second-placed England at arm's length.

Early scare
Franz Burgmeier had given Turkey an early scare, blazing a shot just over the crossbar from 20 metres, before normal service was resumed and Turkey opened the scoring after 14 minutes. A clever exchange of passes with striker Tuncay Sanli put Tumer through on goal and he beat Liechtenstein goalkeeper Peter Jehle with a neat, angled shot.

Turkey dominant
The visitors dominated the game, playing some excellent flowing football, but it took until four minutes before the interval for Okan to score their second goal, collecting a pass from Tuncay from the right before lifting the ball over Jehle and into the top corner of the net.

Long ball
Hakan Sükür completed the scoring five minutes into the second half as a long ball from goalkeeper Rüstü Reçber bamboozled the Liechtenstein defence, allowing the veteran striker to roll the ball into the net for his 39th goal in 86 internationals.

English challenge
The visiting supporters kept the atmosphere lively on a cool evening in the Alps as Turkey maintained their two-point lead in the group, but they could be knocked off the top on Wednesday evening when England play their game in hand against Liechtenstein at Old Trafford.

Date with destiny
However, regardless of the score in Manchester, Turkey have the chance to win the group on home territory as they play their final qualifying game at home against England on 11 October.