Our prediction for this Euro 2024 match:
Timsah Arena will host Tuesday’s EURO 2024 qualifier between Turkey and Croatia. The Turks did well to beat Armenia in their Group D opener, with substitute Kerem Akturkoglu scoring the winner. The Galatasaray forward is pushing for a recall to the starting XI, as well as Roma right-back Zeki Celik. Anyhow, there are no fresh injury worries in the home team ahead of the visit of Croatia.
Zlatko Dalic’s men, on the other hand, were more than unfortunate not to beat Wales in their opener, with Nathan Broadhead scoring a late equalizer for the Dragons. Luka Modric and Co. are desperate to return to winning ways, but beating Turkey in Bursa is easier said than done. Taking everything into account, we believe that punters from all around the world can find value in betting on draw. Barring any fresh injury worries, Dalic is unlikely to make changes to the team that shared the spoils with Wales.
Highlighted Player (Hakan Calhanoglu):
Hakan Calhanoglu is another one in the long line of Turkish footballers who were born in Germany, so it is hardly surprising he came to prominence thanks to his performances in Bundesliga. The attacking midfielder with great vision and very good goalscoring record started his professional career at Karlsruher, scoring impressive 17 goals in 50 league outings to earn a move to Bundesliga side Hamburg.
The spell at Imtech Arena was merely a stepping stone for bigger things as 11 goals in his debut top flight campaign persuaded Bayer Leverkusen to splash nearly €15 million on his services. That proved a very good investment as Calhanoglu continued the rich vein of form, and it is now a matter of time before he joins one of European powerhouses.
The midfield maestro had a bright start to his career in the Turkey national team, scoring 5 goals in first 16 caps, and chances are he will become a leader for Milli Takim in the foreseeable future.
Highlighted Team (Croatia):
While the national football team of Croatia also played international matches between 1940 and 1944, they only resumed their duties in 1990 after the country gained independence from Yugoslavia. Vatreni enjoyed a remarkable start on the international stage, winning the third place on their first ever World Cup appearance in France in 1998, while crashing out in the group stage at the 2002, 2006 and 2014 tournaments.
Croatia also reached the quarter-finals at the 1996 and 2008 European Championships, proving they are rightly considered one of Europe’s top sides at the start of the 21st century. Long-serving captain Darijo Srna is their most capped player with over 130 appearances for the national team, whereas former Real Madrid striker Davor Suker is one of their most famous players and top scorer with 45 goals.
Other notable footballers to have played for Croatia include Luka Modric, Zvonimir Boban, Robert Prosinecki, Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic. Miroslav Blazevic and Slaven Bilic are the coaches that have been behind team’s biggest success stories up to date.