Euro 2024: Croatia suffers set back against Turkey in Osijek
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
Croatia suffers set back against Turkey in Osijek
A disappointing Croatia has suffered a set back in their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, losing 1-0 to Turkey in Osijek tonight.
Croatia, who were missing a number of key players through injury, were unrecognisable for long periods in what was the first International match played at the new Opus Arena.
Keeper Dominik Livaković, who plays his club football in Turkey, was called upon early to make two good saves as the visitors started the more aggressive and hungry.
Croatia struggled to keep possession in the open spell and often found themselves giving the ball away, with Marcelo Brozović particularly looking off the pace.
When Josip Brekalo gave the ball away on the half hour, the home side would be punished on the counter attack.
Baris Alper Yılmaz latched onto the resulting through ball and would calmly lob Livaković, who had come far out of his box and was left stranded, to make it 1-0.
HT | 🇭🇷 0:1 🇹🇷
— HNS (@HNS_CFF) October 12, 2023
45 more minutes to go. Come on, #Croatia! 🙌#CROTUR | #PokažiSrce | #EURO2024 | #Family | #Vatreni❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/6CJPgSsPum
Croatia looked more urgent in the second half, especially when Zlatko Dalić introduced Lovro Majer, Bruno Petković and Nikola Vlašić with a half an hour remaining.
Majer looked dangerous with the ball, creating space and chances, whilst Petković would go close when he was put through.
Croatia desperately looked for an equaliser and it would be substitute Dion Drena Beljo who would have the best chance, but his shot from right in front of goal would be directed straight at the Turkish keeper. Croatia were awarded a penalty for handball in the 90th minute, but it would be ruled out by VAR.
Turkey, who were led for the first time by new coach Vincenzo Montella, would hold on to take all three points and leave the Osijek crowd disappointed.
For Croatia, Brozović was disappointing, whilst Matea Kovačić and Luka Modrić also looked off the pace in the midfield. Joško Gvardiol was the standout for the Croatians, whilst Majer impressed when he came on.
Croatia now sits in second place in Group D, 3 points behind Turkey but with a game in hand. Croatia meets Wales next on Sunday.
