A GOAL in each half from Arda Turan and Nihat Kahveci helped Turkey to a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in the first international friendly at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey.
Turan opened the scoring in the 31st minute as he went through on goal to slot beyond Petr Cech with the aid of the post.
Besiktas midfielder Nihat doubled the advantage shortly after half-time when he slotted home after being set up by Turan.
Milan Cerny pulled a goal back for the Czechs, who were without injured Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky and striker Milan Baros, with nine minutes remaining.
Cerny raced on to a poor backpass from Emre Gungor to slide the ball underneath Volkan Demirel in the Turkey goal.
But it was not enough as Turkey began their build-up to the Euro 2012 qualifiers, with both sides having failed to qualify for next month's World Cup, with a morale-boosting win.
They now move on to face Northern Ireland on Wednesday, while the Czechs meet that USA on Tuesday.
Besiktas midfielder Nihat doubled the advantage shortly after half-time when he slotted home after being set up by Turan.
Milan Cerny pulled a goal back for the Czechs, who were without injured Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky and striker Milan Baros, with nine minutes remaining.
Cerny raced on to a poor backpass from Emre Gungor to slide the ball underneath Volkan Demirel in the Turkey goal.
But it was not enough as Turkey began their build-up to the Euro 2012 qualifiers, with both sides having failed to qualify for next month's World Cup, with a morale-boosting win.
They now move on to face Northern Ireland on Wednesday, while the Czechs meet that USA on Tuesday.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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