Convincing wins for Czechs and Turks

The Czech Republic and Turkey both handed out thrashings to keep their World Cup qualification bids on course on Wednesday.

The Czechs came from behind to batter FYR Macedonia 6-1 at Teplice.

The hosts bounced back from an early fright after Goran Pandev fired Macedonia ahead in the 14th minute.

But four goals in the space of 11 minutes from Jan Koller – who broke the Czech Republic’s scoring record in their previous game against Andorra on Saturday – helped them on their way to securing three points.

Tomas Rosicky then converted the fifth from the spot in the 74th minute before Liverpool’s Milan Baros added the sixth as the Czechs boosted their bid to reach the World Cup finals in Germany next year.

Turkey, third in the last World Cup, are battling group leaders Ukraine, Denmark and European champions Greece in a tough qualifying pool, were equally merciless as they thrashed hosts Kazakhstan 6-0 in Almaty.

Trabzonspor striker Fatih Tekke got the visitors off and running with the opener in the 13th minute before Ibrahim Toraman doubled the advantage moments later.

Tuncay Sanli made it three after 37 minutes before three late goals from Hamit Altintop, and seconds from Tekke and Sanli gave the result a convincing gloss.