Watch and bet on Turkey v Croatia live online at bet365 from 19:00 GMT(credit:
bet365)
Turkey take on Croatia tonight in first leg of their Euro 2012 playoff with Croatia.
Turkey manager Guus Hiddink has had mixed fortunes since taking control of the side after their doomed World Cup 2010 qualifying campaign with the start of his reign marred by speculation that he would return to manage Chelsea and some poor on-field performances leading many to question the high profile 'glamour' appointment by the Turkish FA.
Hiddink is, however, not known as one of the world's best coaches for nothing and he diligently returned to his work with the Crescent Stars and claimed some big results, most notably a draw with Belgium in Brussels, to ensure the side made the Euro 2012 playoffs.
For Hiddink it is the opportunity to exorcise the demons of two years ago, when his Russia side fell at this stage to Slovenia, and he will know the importance of a win in the first leg of the tie against Croatia, which takes place this Friday in the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul.
It is 7/5 at
bet365 that Turkey do beat the Croats and they have to be fancied at that price. They may lack the firepower of previous national sides, with no Hakan Sukur or Nihat Kahveci, but the midfield of Arda Turan, Mehmet Topal, Hamit Altintop and Emre Belozoglu is as good as any the national side has ever had.
Croatia, who are 21/10 to win in Istanbul, are a technically gifted side but there are some gross inequalities in their squad. Luka Modric is a renowned superstar but Darijo Srna, Eduardo, Ivica Olic and Josip Simunic have all seen better days and that showed during their qualification campaigm.
At home Croatia were very strong, winning four of their five matches but on the road they were beaten by Greece and Georgia and that is not really good enough. Turkey, who won all of their home qualifiers, excluding a defeat to Germany, will be confident that they can emulate those sides and claim a victory on Friday.
The visitors would be happy with a draw in Istanbul, at odds of 21/10, but the experience of Hiddink plus the solidity of the Turkey midfield should ensure that they control the play on Friday and take a narrow lead to Croatia, where the roles will be reversed.