Istanbul  - In another round of "football diplomacy," Turkey defeated Armenia 2-0 in a peacefully played World Cup qualifying match Wednesday in the north-west Turkish city of Bursa.

The diplomatic ramifications were in the spotlight with both teams already eliminated from contention for a place at next year's World Cup tournament in South Africa.

Armenian President Serzh Sargsian became his country's first head of state to visit Turkey when he came to attend Wednesday game, which followed Saturday's signing of a set of protocols between Turkey and Armenia that pave the way for the two countries to restore ties and open their mutual border.

The agreements still require ratification by the parliaments of both countries, with strong domestic opposition to the deal.

Ankara and Yerevan broke off relations in 1993 when Turkey closed the border after Armenia invaded the Azerbaijan territory of Nagorno- Karabakh.

The animosity goes backs generations to what Armenians allege was the genocide of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians under the Ottoman Turks during World War I.

Turkey insists only some 200,000 were killed and fiercely rejects any allegations of genocide. While admitting that massacres did take place, Turkey says they did not constitute genocide but were instead the result of a civil uprising when Armenians joined forces with invading Russians.

The game was played without incident, though a reportedly handpicked crowd of police cadets, soldiers in civilian dress and Turkish families showered the Armenian team with boos. One bus carrying Armenians was struck with stones.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan had urged against an provocations. Still, a force of 3,000 police were present to guard the Armenian team and delegation.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul travelled attended a September 2008 qualifying match in Yerevan, which Turkey also won 2-0. (dpa)