Turkey vs. Croatia EURO 2024 Qualifiers: Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 28)

Initial Thoughts

As Croatia travel to the Bursa Timsah Arena on Tuesday to take on Euro 2024 Group D opponents Turkey, Zlatko Dalić’s side will hope to avoid the costly late mistakes that saw them drop two valuable points in their last outing on the weekend.

The Narrative

World Cup semi-finalist Croatia were 1-0 up against Wales and looked good for the win on Saturday, only for a lapse in concentration in the 93rd minute to allow Rob Page’s side to snatch a draw with the last kick of the game.

Andrej Kramaric had put the home side ahead midway through the first half at the Stadion Poljud and the Croats seemed in full control of the game. But a long throw right at the death caused panic in the Croatian box, allowing Nathan Broadhead to ghost in unmarked at the far post and tap in an equalizer with Wale’s one and only shot on target.

It was a bitter pill to swallow for Modric and co, with Croatia having won 34 of their last 35 European qualifiers on home soil.

That late draw means Turkey head into Tuesday’s clash as Group D leaders after Stefan Kuntz’s side overcame Armenia 2-1 on Saturday.

Armenia took a surprise lead after Ozan Kabak's own goal ten minutes in. But the Turks showed their class to take all three points after finding the net either side of the half time whistle.

Since being installed as head coach back in 2021, former Besiktas striker Kuntz has enjoyed an impressive spell in charge, with the Turks racking up ten wins in their last 15 games.

And ahead of Croatia’s visit on Tuesday night, Kuntz’s side have looked even better at home. Turkey are unbeaten in their last five domestic outings, conceding only five goals and scoring 13 times in front of their home fans. 

Nuts & Bolts

Croatia sits more than thirty spots higher in the FIFA rankings, but the recent encounters between these two nations have been cagey affairs.

Last time out they shared the points in a 3-3 friendly match back in 2020, meaning Zlatko Dalić’s side are without a win in their last three matchup against the Turks.

But Croatia still come into this one as the stronger team, having won 14 of their last 15 games in all competitions, and their only defeat coming at the hands of World Cup Champions Argentina back in December.

Homestand Picks

All odds courtesy of Northstar Bets

Croatia Moneyline (+120)

Modric and co were in total control on Saturday, only to gift Wales an equaliser on Saturday. Kuntz’s side will be sure not to repeat that mistake against Turkey.

Over 2.5 Goals (+104)

After a six goal thriller in their last meeting, the Over looks like good value ahead of Tuesday’s Group D clash.

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