By Chigozie Chukwuleta in Enugu
Turkey with their all conquering attack became the first qualifiers in the Enugu center as they trashed Costa Rica 4-1 to emerge leaders of Group D with six points. They however left Enugu for Calabar this morning for tomorrow’s last group game against New Zealand.
The match which was postponed on Wednesday after a torrential rain began 3.00 pm local time on Thursday and became a royal contest as Turkey romped into the lead with a third minute goal courtesy of Omer Ali Sahiner .
The professional studded side took the game to the half of the Costa Ricans and stole the heart of Enugu fans with their articulate moves and good drive of the ball.
Pearl of the Turkish attack and captain of the side Muhammet Demir in the 32nd minute made it two with a blinding shot outside the 18 yard box while Engin Bekdemir sent home the third goal in the 41st minute of the game.
The Costa Ricans effort paid off in the 44th minute when Joel Campbell’s shot rebounded but was redirected back into the net by substitute Jonathan Moya.
Second half of the game saw a more defensive Costa Ricans and more attacking Turkey. The ability of the Costa Ricans to contend them in this half had a hit on the Turkish side as their hunger to score more goals led to their becoming more aggressive and physical. Their player, Onur Karakabak became a victim earning him a second yellow card that saw him off the pitch in the 52nd minute leaving his side with ten men against eleven.
But rather than slow them down, the red card became a motivator as Gokay Iravul in the 70th minute fired home the fourth goal.