Euro 2008
2008-06-20 - Croatia vs Turkey
A Sports Betting Pick by Gooner
UEFA Euro 2008 - Quarter-Final
Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna
Friday 20th June 2008 - KO 19:45
CROATIA
Croatia have made every game a winning one so far, without ever looking comfortable, and it's that combative nature that makes the side much like Greece in 2004.
There isn't too much to enthuse over the tactics or style of the side, but the method of play is very effective and it's working - so far.
TURKEY
Turkey have captured the imagination of the neutral punter in Euro 2008 - and their games have been "must watch to the end" events with 10 goals in total and four of those coming after the 86th minute.
Once again there is nothing fancy about Turkey's play, but the "never say die" attitude has impressed although I do feel that if they go behind against Croatia then there may be no coming back.
Injuries and suspensions will affect the Turks in this quarter-final tie, with the absence of the goal keeper and a central defender a major blow.
Will the defensive organisation suffer with so many changes?
HEAD TO HEAD
Croatia are unbeaten in three previous matches against Turkey with one win and two draws.
At Euro '96 Croatia beat Turkey 1-0 in the group stage, through an 85th-minute goal by Goran Vlaovic.
TEAM NEWS
Croatia striker Igor Budan will miss the rest of UEFA EURO 2008 campaign after being sidelined with a knee injury.
Dario Knežević will take no further part in the finals, after the 26-year-old centre-back strained knee ligaments against Poland on Monday.
Meanwhile, Darijo Srna and Ivan Rakitić are carrying slight knocks but should feature against Turkey.
Turkey been hit by injuries and suspensions affecting seven players in the 23-man squad.
Defensive midfielder Mehmet Aurelio is suspended for the quarterfinal after picking up a second yellow card against the Czechs and captain Emre Belozoglu has a hamstring problem and has not played since an opening Group A defeat by Portugal.
Central defender Emre Gungor, who was carried off in the second half of Sunday's match, has a calf strain and is out of the tournament.
Goalkeeper Volkan Demirel has been banned for two matches and said 2002 World Cup keeper Rustu Recber will take Volkan's place.
THE VERDICT
There is not a huge amount to choose between the two sides in this game but Croatia seem to have most of the edges particularly at the back where it often matters in knockout football.
Turkey are also significantly affected by injuries and suspensions - and changes at the back are difficult for a team to adjust to - and so that is enough for me to take a punt.
The Pick :
Croatia 1-0 Turkey
BEST BETTING TIP :
I think that there will be just one goal and CROATIA will score it.Under 2.5 goals is also likely but pays only 1.55
