ANKARA: Turkey beat Bulgaria 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier yesterday to confirm second place in Group E and a spot in the playoffs for next year’s finals.
Captain Hakan Calhanoglu put Turkey ahead in the 18th minute from the penalty spot after a handball.
The hosts doubled their lead in the 83rd minute when Bulgarian defender Chernev turned the ball into his own net attempting to clear a low cross.
Turkey dominated possession and territory, and rarely looked troubled by Bulgaria who remained bottom of the group without a point.
Turkey moved to 12 points from five matches, keeping them in second place three points behind leaders Spain who they play in their final qualifier on Tuesday.