Turkey overcome Greece to move top of Group 7
Friday, October 11, 2013
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Turkey 1-0 Greece
Musa Çağıran's 11th-minute goal earned Turkey their second victory in qualifying Group 7 and condemned the visitors to a first defeat.
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Turkey made it three games unbeaten in qualifying Group 7 with a narrow success against neighbours Greece in Antalya to move top of the section.
Abdullah Ercan's men continued their resurgence following an opening loss to Poland as Musa Çağıran got the only goal 11 minutes in. The hosts had chances to extend their advantage but settled for a slender victory ahead of Tuesday's home fixture with Poland.
Ömer Ali Şahiner tested visiting keeper Sokratis Dioudis early on, but the Greece No1 could do nothing shortly afterwards when the Turkey captain powerfully drove in from just outside the area. Nikos Karelis was then prevented from equalising as Aykut Özer showed sharp reactions to repel a dangerous header.
Emrah Başsan rattled a post after the interval and soon whistled another effort wide as the home side chased a second. Substitute Enes Ünal came closest, heading just off target with ten minutes remaining – yet the solitary strike proved enough for Turkey to prevail against a Greek team left on three points from two matches.
