China routed 5-1 at U-17 World Cup quarter-finals
(FIFA.com)
Updated: 2005-09-26 15:45

Despite a courageous fight-back at the start of the second-half, China could do nothing to prevent Turkey from sailing to victory in their quarter-final tie at the FIFA U-17 World Championship Peru 2005.

Turkey's soccer players Aydin Yilmax, Tevfik Kose and Caner Erkin celebrate their victory against China while China's soccer player Cao Gu, suffers the elimination in the U17 World Cup in Iquitos, Peru on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2005. Turkey beat China 5-1. [AP]

The Iquitos crowds witnessed a dominant display from the Turks that left a doughty Chinese team reeling, and few would argue with the view that the European champions are now among the hot favourites for the global title. They can now start preparing for the semi-finals, where they will face either Brazil or Korea DPR in Trujillo on 29 September.

"We gave 100% as always and performed to a very high level," enthused Turkish coach Abdullah Avci after the match. "I'm happy and proud of the way we played, especially because it provided the crowd with some great entertainment. And that makes me pleased because the people of Iquitos have been very warm towards us. I'd really like to salute them."

Conditions that could only be described as tropical greeted spectators and players alike in Iquitos, and it soon became clear that Turkey were more comfortable plying their trade in the 36°C heat. Ozgurcan Ozcan signalled their intent with an effort from the left with only six minutes on the clock, and the Ottomans did not have to wait long before finding the back of the net. Tevfik Kose was the player responsible for the breakthrough and he displayed great talent when, after being set free on the right by Nuri Sahin, he breezed past Cao Gu, cut inside and blasted his shot in at the near post (1:0, 10'). In spite of the sweltering temperatures, the public were quick to show their approval.