Turks spot on as Croatia crashes out

Turkey will face Germany in the Euro 2008 semi-finals after overcoming Croatia in a penalty shootout in Vienna.

After a largely forgettable 120 minutes, nearly all of the drama was reserved for the closing stages of extra time, as first Ivan Klasnic put Croatia in front, only for Turkish substitute Semih Senturk to equalise with the last kick of extra-time.

The Turks then dominated the shootout, as after Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric both missed their kicks wide, veteran goalkeeper Rustu Recber saved from Mladen Petric to seal a 3-1 shootout victory.

In a game devoid of many clear opportunities, the likelihood of the game going to penalties grew as both teams failed to seize the initiative. But even more remarkable was the fact that two goals came in the space of 90 seconds to force this outcome.

Turkey came into the game with an injury and suspension-depleted line-up, highlighted by the recall of Rustu, who replaced suspended goalkeeper Volkan Demirel. Of the Turkish starting XI, no less than eight players were also on yellow cards, giving manager Fatih Terim even more headaches.

Croatia's team selection was more straight-forward, as manager Slaven Bilic opted for the same line-up that defeated Germany during the group stage.

The game began at a quick tempo, belying what would follow over the next 120 minutes. The Turks were pedestrian in defence at times, and they nearly came unstuck after just six minutes as Rakitic found space on the left, but Hakan Balta brilliantly cut out his square ball with Darijo Srna poised to finish.

Turkey enjoyed good possession early on, but as would be a hallmark for much of the game, they failed to find the incisiveness required to unlock Croatia's defence.

The best chance of the match fell to Croatia after 19 minutes, and it was set up by the ever-influential Luka Modric. After a mazy run down the right, he sent a dangerous low cross beyond the Turkish defence, but somehow the sliding Ivica Olic contrived to smash his effort against the cross-bar with the goal gaping, and Kranjcar's follow-up header sailed over.

The Croatians were momentarily sparked into life by this chance, as they attacked often down the left in an attempt to exploit Turkey's inexperienced right-back Sabri Sarioglu. Meanwhile, whilst Turkey's midfield passing may have looked stylish, their best chance came from the boot of Mehmet Topal, whose 35-yard shot whistled past Pletikosa's post.

So the teams went in level at the break, but the second half still failed to bring the game to the boil. Olic had another half-chance after more sloppy Turkish defending moments after the break, but Rustu did just enough to put him off after Emre Asik's back-header sold him short.

Modric was at the forefront of many Croatian attacks, and he slipped Kranjcar through just before the hour, but he was crowded out and his subsequent shot was comfortably saved by Rustu.

But Croatia did dominated the second half, and as it wore on, Croatia did get closer to the elusive goal. On 70 minutes, Rakitic played a clever one-two with Olic, before blazing his effort over despite being in a good position.

Darijo Srna then forced an outstanding save from Rustu from a trademark free-kick on the edge of the penalty area, as the Turks were content to send the game into extra time.

Croatia had one final chance before the final whistle, but after another good run down the right and cross by Modric, Olic couldn’t get enough purchase on his effort to trouble Rustu.

During extra-time, it was the Turks who made most of the running, but they again failed to significantly test Croatian goalkeeper Pletikosa, as substitute Semih Senturk shot high, and then Tuncay shot wide from two separate opportunities despite finding space.

But with the game seemingly destined for dreaded shootout, the game was turned on its head as Croatia took the lead, despite being second best for much of the extra-time period.

After strong play on the right by Srna and Modric, Rustu was caught in no man's land after racing out off his line to tackle Modric, leaving Klasnic with the easiest of headers from Modric's subsequent cross.

It was a horror mistake by Rustu, who up until then had kept reasonably well despite having not played for some time. But amazingly, the drama was not finished there, as Turkey equalized at the death.

After Rustu desperately punted downfield into the Croatian penalty area, Semih blasted the ball into the top corner after a goalmouth scramble, stunning the Croatian players and fans alike.

After Arda Turan, Semih and Hamit Altintop scored for Turkey in the shootout, Rustu became the hero, saving the decisive kick from Petric to send the Turkish fans wild.

Turkey's fairytale run will now continue against Germany, but they will lose Arda Turan, Tuncay Sanli and Emre Asik to suspensions as they all picked up second bookings, in what will add to Fatih Terim's big selection headaches.


Ratings

Croatia
1 - Pletikosa - 6 - Nothing to do until being beaten. Failed in shootout.
3 - Simunic - 6 - Fine.
4 - R. Kovac - 6 - Defended well.
5 - Corluka - 7 - Kept Arda Turan well in check.
7 - Rakitic - 6 - Wasted his chances.
10 - N. Kovac - 6 - Did his job.
11 - Srna - 6 - Did well.
14 - Modric - 8 - Always creative.
18 - Olic - 6 - Wasteful, but worked hard.
19 - Kranjcar - 5 - Peripheral.
22 - Pranjic - 6 - Decent game.

(SUB) 17 - Klasnic - 7 - Scored what looked like the winner.
(SUB) 21 - Petric - 6 - Little impact.

Turkey
1 - Rustu - 6 - Went from villain to hero in the shootout.
3 - Hakan Balta - 7 - Defended well.
4 - Gokhan Zan - 6 - Looked shaky at times.
6 - Mehmet Topal - 7 - Tenacious in midfield.
8 - Nihat - 6 - No real influence.
14 - Arda Turan - 6 - Only showed glimpses.
15 - Emre Asik - Looked uncomfortable at times.
17 - Tuncay Sanli - 6 - In and out.
18 - Kazim Kazim - 5 - No impact.
20 - Sabri Sarioglu - 6 - Tried hard, but out of position.
22 - Hamit Altintop - 6 - Looked good early, but faded.

(SUB) 9 - Semih Senturk - 7 - Scored priceless goal.
(SUB) 10 - Gokdeniz Karadeniz - 6 - No time.
(SUB) 16 - Ugur Boral - 6 - No impact.