Mueez Ajao
– Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovacic’s double secured a 2-0 win away to Turkey in their Euro 2024 qualifier on Tuesday as they leapfrogged the hosts and moved up to second spot in Group D.
– Wales, who beat Latvia 1-0, lead the group on four points on goal difference from Croatia with Turkey third with three.
– Kovacic left Turkey goalkeeper Mert Gunok motionless when he scored from close range in the 20th minute following a failed attempt by the defence to clear the ball.
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– Kovacic scored again just before half-time as he tapped home a rebound after Gunok saved Mario Pasalic’s effort.
– Despite creating better chances early on, Turkey were kept out by Dominik Livakovic who made some exceptional saves.
– In another blow for the hosts, Turkey captain Hakan Calhanoglu had to come off in the 36th minute due to an injury.
– Turkey, who reached the Euro 2008 semifinals, are looking to qualify again after a disappointing performance at Euro 2020 when they lost all three games and scored one goal.
FT | 🇹🇷 0:2 🇭🇷
All over in Bursa! #Croatia celebrates its first victory in #EURO2024 qualifying – congratulations! 🇭🇷✌️#TURCRO | #Family | #Vatreni❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/tOC5fqO7R8
— HNS (@HNS_CFF) March 28, 2023
