After trouncing Turkey 3-0 in Istanbul last Friday, Croatia’s spot in Poland-Ukraine is almost confirmed.
Tonight, Slaven Bilic’s men will welcome Guus Hiddink’s wounded warriors in Croatia. However, Luka Modric is not contemplating complacency. The Tottenham Hotspur talisman is aware of Turkey’s potential to turn the tables around.
According to Modric, the Croatians “have only done half the job”. Indeed, 90 more minutes are left to be played and the attacking midfielder is up for them.
“The most important thing is that we stay focused now. We can't relax, even a little bit. It could be very dangerous,” Modric stated in an interview with UEFA.com.
As things stand, Turkey’s team and fans might have lost hope, although history reminds how brave they were against the Croatians three years ago. Guus Hiddink is in an unfortunate situation as Hakan Balta, Emre Belozoglu, Arda Turan and Sabri Sanoglu have all been ruled out for the second leg through suspension.
So how will a weakened Turkey side perform against the cautious Croatians? Coach HIddink prefers not to dream big as he told the press:
“I expect the players who take their place to play for their honor, for themselves, for their country. Let's face facts – it's difficult, almost impossible, to qualify.”
According to Modric, the Croatians “have only done half the job”. Indeed, 90 more minutes are left to be played and the attacking midfielder is up for them.
“The most important thing is that we stay focused now. We can't relax, even a little bit. It could be very dangerous,” Modric stated in an interview with UEFA.com.
As things stand, Turkey’s team and fans might have lost hope, although history reminds how brave they were against the Croatians three years ago. Guus Hiddink is in an unfortunate situation as Hakan Balta, Emre Belozoglu, Arda Turan and Sabri Sanoglu have all been ruled out for the second leg through suspension.
So how will a weakened Turkey side perform against the cautious Croatians? Coach HIddink prefers not to dream big as he told the press:
“I expect the players who take their place to play for their honor, for themselves, for their country. Let's face facts – it's difficult, almost impossible, to qualify.”
