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Croatia have the hard task of getting past Turkey in their Euro 2012 play-off on Tuesday as they go in search of avenging their Euro 2008 heartbreak.
In what is surely the most difficult tie of all the play-offs, both teams will be desperate to make it through to the tournament where both have fond memories.
Turkey dealt Croatia a cruel defeat in the quarter-final of the European Championships four years ago, with Semih Senturk’s last gasp volley taking the game into extra time then penalties, before Turkey claimed a memorable win.
Hiddink’s men were unable to do anything about Germany romping away to claim the automatic qualification spot in Group A as Joachim Loew’s men picked up a staggering ten wins from ten games, scoring 34 goals and conceding only seven.
Croatia meanwhile made their way to the play-offs after securing second spot in a keenly contested Group F, which saw Greece edge the automatic spot by just two points.
Turkey, now coached by former Chelsea and Russia boss Guus Hiddink, went on an amazing run in that tournament before narrowly coming undone against Germany in the semi-finals, and they’ll be keen to make it through to the finals and have an impact once more.
Croatia left their mark on the European Championships back in 2006, with their quarter final game against Germany proving to be one of the most dramatic in the tournament’s history, and having extinguished England’s hopes in qualifying for the 2008 tournament will no doubt be hoping to make it past Turkey and upset a few of the major nations in Poland and Ukraine.
Slaven Bili?’s men have never lost in the play-offs for a major tournament, having won in the winner takes all matches for the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2004, and will be confident going up against their fierce rivals with Luka Modric at the heart of their midfield.
The Tottenham midfielder has been in exceptional form for the Premier League club this season and more than demonstrated the ability that led to Chelsea bidding £40 million for his services over the summer.
Modric will need to be at his best if he is to help defeat a talented Turkey side, but will have help from more than a few familiar faces.
Club team-mates Niko Kranjcar and Vedran Corluka will likely be involved, while Bolton’s Ivan Klasnic is almost expected to be named in the side.
Match Winner
In what is expected to be a closely fought contest it comes as no surprise that the bookmakers are also predicting a tight game, while punters have also bet in a similar manner.
50% are backing Turkey for the win while 37.5% believe Croatia have what it takes to succeed, something the bookies back up.
BetFred have Turkey as favourites for the game at 2.38 (11/8), while the visitors are 3.40 (12/5) with SkyBet to claim a precious away win. The draw is at 3.20 (11/5) with SportingBet.
First Goalscorer
With both sides possessing strong attacks, perhaps the most keenly contested market is the first goalscorer.
Turkey forward Burak Yilmaz is the favourite to open the scoring, and is 7.50 (13/2) withBoyleSports, while his partner in crime Umut Bulut is also best placed at 7.50 (13/2) with VC Bet.
Croatia will be dependent on the attacking trio of Eduardo, Bayern Munich forward Ivica Olic and Ivan Klasnic to grab a much needed first goal, and all three are best placed with Bet365 at 7.50 (13/2), 9.00 (8/1) and 10.00 (9/1) respectively.
Recommended Bets
Correct score: Turkey 1-0 Croatia, 7.00 (6/1) Ladbrokes
To qualify: Turkey, 2.25 (5/4) Ladbrokes
