hamit altıntop struck a memorable first-half volley as turkey opened their group a account with a handsome victory in astana.
guus hiddink's turkey kicked off their uefa euro 2012 qualifying group a campaign in superb style courtesy of a commanding victory away against kazakhstan.
overseeing his first competitive encounter since taking the turkey job, hiddink watched as his charges notched up a 2-0 first-half lead; arda turan breaking the deadlock before hamit altıntop let fly with a sumptuous 25-metre volley. kazakhstan posed more of a threat after the restart, but it was turkey who struck again towards the end, nihat kahveci making sure they will welcome tuesday's opponents belgium with three points under their belts.
determined to reach the finals in poland and ukraine, the visitors took control of the encounter thanks to an explosive two-minute spell midway through the first period. arda turan landed the opening blow when he finished from close range on 24 minutes and soon after turkey were able to celebrate again as hamit altıntop met emre belözoğlu's well-directed corner with the sweetest of right-footed volleys.
nihat kahveci then made sure of the outcome when he collected a long pass from arda turan and rounded goalkeeper andrei sidelnikov to score 14 minutes from time. kazakhstan must now look to improve their fortunes away against austria on tuesday.
