European Qualifiers: Czech Republic beat Turkey 2-1 in Istanbul

The Czech Republic came from behind to beat Turkey 2-1 and make it two wins from as many matches in Group A of the European Qualifiers.

Trailing from Umut Bulut’s early goal, the visitors levelled matters through Tomas Sivok shortly afterwards, before Borek Dockal fired the winner just before the hour mark.

Although the hosts dominated the opening 45 minutes in Istanbul – and should have been ahead by half-time – the Czechs bounced back after the break.

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Turkey, who stay bottom of the six-nation group and without a point, went ahead in the eighth minute when Bulut clinically glanced home Caner Erkin’s cross.

But seven minutes later the Czechs equalised with a header of their own as defender Sivok met Ladislav Krejci’s corner to score from close range.

Chelsea keeper Petr Cech made a number of good saves during the remainder of the first half, Gokhan Tore and Arda Turan both went close while Erkin hit the woodwork from a free-kick on 43.

However, the former European champions were a much stronger outfit in the second half and duly went ahead in the 58th minute when Pavel Kaderebek’s low cross was collected by Dockal who cooly picked his spot, finding the bottom left-hand corner of the net from 12 yards.

While Turkey still enjoyed their fair share of possession during the latter stages, they failed to create as many chances as they did before the break although Erkin did force Cech into action eight minutes from time to push away a fierce 22-yard strike.