A Merih Demiral brace inspired Turkey to a commanding 4-1 victory over Georgia at Kocaeli Stadyumu, boosting their hopes of reaching a first FIFA World Cup finals since 2002 and virtually securing a play-off berth.

Riding the momentum from their 6-1 thrashing of Bulgaria on Saturday, Turkey started brightly and took the lead after 16 minutes. Abdülkerim Bardakcı’s precise ball over the top found Kenan Yıldız, who held off Otar Kakabadze before delicately lifting the ball over Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Although the flag was initially raised for offside, VAR intervened to confirm Yıldız had timed his run perfectly — a decision that sent the home crowd into raptures. The Juventus forward’s fine scoring streak continued, having now found the net in ten consecutive matches for club and country.

Turkey doubled their advantage just six minutes later when Demiral rose highest at the near post to head home Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s corner. Georgia, by contrast, looked a shadow of the side that defied expectations to reach the last 16 at UEFA Euro 2024.

Before half-time, the hosts made it 3-0. Yıldız burst into the box and squared for Arda Güler, whose shot was blocked on the line, only for Yunus Akgün to pounce on the rebound and slot home from close range.

With nine of Turkey’s last 11 matches now producing over 2.5 goals, their attacking prowess was once again on full display. Seven minutes after the restart, Demiral struck again, heading in from close range to seal his brace and Turkey’s fourth of the night.

Georgia improved marginally after the break, and Giorgi Kochorashvili grabbed a consolation goal following a sublime assist from Otar Kiteishvili, who was substituted immediately after. Yet, the visitors never looked likely to mount a comeback as Turkey comfortably managed the closing stages in a compact defensive shape.

The defeat marked Georgia’s seventh loss in their last ten away fixtures, effectively ending their play-off ambitions. Turkey, meanwhile, move six points clear of their opponents with just two group games remaining — and with a far superior goal difference, they look firmly on course to end a 23-year wait for World Cup football.