By Muhammed Enes Calli
ANKARA (AA) - Turkey thrashed Gibraltar 6-0 on Saturday to take the second spot on goal difference in 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
The home side took control from kick-off, Kerem Akturkoglu scored an impressive solo goal in the 11th minute, giving Turkey a 1-0 lead at Basaksehir Fatih Terim stadium in Turkish metropolis Istanbul.
Gibraltar's Jayce Olivero was shown red after a VAR (Video Assistant Referee) review for a foul on Zeki Celik in the 22nd minute.
Halil Dervisoglu in the 38th minute doubled the lead with a shot from short range.
Before the first half ended, Dervisoglu scored his second goal by firing a shot, assisted with a cross by Burak Yilmaz.
The second half was similar to the first as Turkey put pressure on the visitors and had several chances to score more.
Goals from Merih Demiral and Serdar Dursun made the score 5-0, both assisted by Ridvan Yilmaz, who came on as a substitute in the second half.
In the 84th minute, Mert Muldur powered a header from Orkun Kokcu's corner kick and Turkey earned an easy 6-0 win over Gibraltar.
Following this remarkable win, Turkey now moved to second spot on goal difference after Norway were surprisingly held to a goalless draw with Latvia at home.
In Group G, Turkey and Norway each collected 18 points in nine matches behind the Netherlands, which have 19 points in eight matches.
Montenegro are in the fourth spot with 11 points.
Latvia increased their points to six and Gibraltar sit the bottom of the table with no point.
Turkey should finish second to book a spot in the playoffs for 2022 World Cup.