Turkey started Euro qualifying Group D with a strong win over Armenia 2-1. The Turkey-Armenia game is called the most volatile international in Europe, and the Turkish team came out on top, as they came from a goal down to win the match.
On Tuesday, Turkey will welcome Croatia to the Bursa Metropolitan Stadium. Croatia, who have already qualified for the Euro playoffs, drew 1-1 with Wales in Split.
A Millî Takımımız, bugünkü ilk antrenmanını kamp yaptığı otelde gerçekleştirdi. 🇹🇷 #OmuzOmuza #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/NLH5OyxG20— Türkiye #BizimÇocuklar 🇹🇷 (@MilliTakimlar) March 27, 2023
A Millî Takımımız, bugünkü ilk antrenmanını kamp yaptığı otelde gerçekleştirdi. 🇹🇷 #OmuzOmuza #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/NLH5OyxG20
The Croatians conceded a 93rd-minute goal to the Welsh, as they threw away the win.
Turkey and Croatia met 10 times on the pitch previously. The Croatians hold the advantage over Turkey with three wins, five draws, and two defeats.
The teams last met in 2020, with the fixture ending 3-3. Croatia are winless in three straight matches versus Turkey in all competitions.
Turkey manager Stefan Kuntz has a strong side with long-time professionals making up the majority of the team. Cenk Tosun, Cengiz Under, and Enes Unal played in the three-man attack against Armenia. Kuntz could try Kerem Akturkoglu in attack but may stick with a winning formula.
Orkun Kokcu and Hakan Calhanoglu should partner once more in the team’s midfield. The three-man backline could once again feature Merih Demiral, Ozan Kabak, and Caglar Soyuncu.
Croatia will again line up with goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic in goal. RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol will play in the heart of defence but manager Zlatko Dalic could play drop Josip Sutalo, who started versus Wales. Expect the midfielder trio of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic to partner again.
The Croatians finished third at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, defeating Morocco in the third-place playoff last December.
The draw with Wales will be seen as a major disappointment for the squad. Croatia started the Euro qualifying phase ranked No 7 in the world.
Dalic’s team has already qualified for the Euro 2024 playoffs. Croatia qualified for the playoffs thanks to reaching the finals of the UEFA Nations League, which will be played in the summer months.
On paper, Turkey, Wales, and Croatia will likely battle for the top spot in Group D. Tuesday’s fixture is a six-point affair between the sides.
A draw would damage Croatia’s hopes of reaching the Euro finals as the group winner. Wales could benefit from Croatia dropping points in Turkey.
Tuesday’s game should see Croatia drop points for the second time in Euro qualifying. Turkey are unbeaten in three straight games versus Croatia and should make it four consecutive matches without a defeat. Turkey should get a 1-1 draw at home versus Croatia.