Turkey warm up for Euro 2008 with win over Slovakia

Galatasaray defender Hakan Balta secured Turkey's win with his first international goal, a superb first-time shot from outside the area in the 62nd minute that gave Slovakia keeper Stefan Senecky no chance.

Turkey recorded the most possessions, had they failed to score, would have secured a higher margin to come out ahead in the points score.Â

Along with the result, the good news for Turkey coach, Fatih Terim ahead of Euro 2008 was that keeper Rustu Recber, playing in place of the injured Volkan Demirel, showed he still had the speed and timing to play at the international level.

A masterful punch by the 35-year-old blocked an 80th-minute header by Slovakia's Martin Petras, assuring Turkey of victory on the night.

Tempers rose in the 69th minute after Slovakia's Martin Skrtel shoved Turkey forward Gokdeniz Karadeniz after a foul. Both men were given yellow cards.

Turkey's performance satisfied Terim, who said he had not had six first choice players available to him including star forward Nihat Kahveci.

The Slovakians - who have not qualified for Euro 2008 - only looked dangerous in the latter stages after Filip Holosko came on for Captain Robert Wattick and caused their rival’s defense a few problems.

At Euro 2008, Turkey is in Group A along with co-hosts Switzerland, 2004 semi-finalists Czech Republic and 2004 finalists Portugal, who they play in their first match on June 7 in Geneva. Â

 Photo: AFP