Turkey maintain perfect start
Monday, June 8, 2009
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Armenia 2-5 Turkey
The visitors moved to the top of 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 2 with an impressive win in Yerevan.
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Turkey moved to the top of Group 2 with a 5-2 win over Armenia in Yerevan.
Early breakthrough
It did not take long for the visitors to go in front in their second 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifier. Deniz Yılmaz was the goalscorer in the fifth minute, making no mistake from close range after good work down the right by Ferhat Bikmaz. It was not until the stroke of half-time that Turkey doubled their lead, though, as Aydin Yılmaz's precise shot finished a quick counterattack.
Two reds
Turkey made it 3-0 soon after the resumption when Gagik Daghbashyan was sent off for a foul on Ferhat Kiraz in his own area and Bikmaz confidently converted from the spot on 49 minutes. Mustafa Pektemek added another on the hour mark with a shot from the edge of the box and although Henrik Mkhitaryan pulled one back with 69 minutes played, Ismail Gökoglan restored Turkey's four-goal cushion soon after. Another red card, this time for Turkey substitute Ömer Şişmanoğlu, gave Armenia the initiative for the final 13 minutes and Artak Dashyan took advantage, scoring his side's second goal from distance. Turkey, who lost to Belarus in the play-offs for the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, have two wins from as many games in the section while Armenia have lost both their matches.