Mehmet progresses

Deniz Mehmet and his Turkey team-mates are through to the FIFA Under-17 World Cup second round after thrashing Costa Rica 4-1 in the pair's re-arranged Group D clash in Enugu, Nigeria.

The original fixture was goalless when it was abandoned after 21 minutes on Wednesday after the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium pitch was rendered unplayable by continuous torrential rain.

The match was replayed in drier conditions on Thursday afternoon, with Mehmet producing an assured display as the Turks followed up their opening 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso with a comprehensive success.

Abdullah Ercan's side are now unassailable at the top of their group with six points from two matches. New Zealand, who Turkey face in Calabar on Saturday, are second with two points, while Costa Rica and Burkina Faso have one point each.

Omer Ali Sahiner fired Turkey into a third-minute lead before Muhammet Demir scored for the second straight match half an hour later.

Engin Bekdemir added a third three minutes before half-time before Costa Rica pulled a goal back through Jonathan Moya, the first Mehmet had conceded in the tournament.

Turkey scored their fourth goal through Gokay Iravul with 20 minutes remaining, securing their progress to the last 16.

Ercan's youngsters will now face a second-round clash in Enugu with one of the best third-placed nations from Groups B, E or F on Wednesday 4 November.