Türkiye clinches an important victory against Croatia
In the sixth match of UEFA 2024 European Championship (EURO 2024) Qualification Group D, Türkiye defeated Croatia 1-0 away from home.
In the 2nd minute, the national team came close to scoring. Baris Alper, who met the ball in front of the Croatian penalty area with Kerem's pass, made a shot to the corner as soon as he entered the penalty area from the left diagonal, but goalkeeper Livakovic reached to his left and deflected the ball into the corner.
In the 9th minute, the national team came again. Baris Alper entered the penalty area from the right wing and passed the ball to Kerem. Kerem's hard shot was deflected into the corner by goalkeeper Livakovic.
In the 13th minute, the national team once again failed to capitalise on a scoring chance. Kerem, who controlled the long ball sent by goalkeeper Uğurcan behind the Croatian defence, faced Livakovic. In Kerem's shot, the ball hit Livakovic and went into the corner.
In the 30th minute, the Turkish team took the lead. Baris Alper, who moved to Salih Ozcan's pass behind the defence, sent the ball into the net over Livakovic who left his goal: 0-1
In the 54th minute, the national team came very close to their 2nd goal. Kerem, who entered the penalty area from the left wing, sent a pass to Barış Alper in a favourable position. Baris Alper, who met with the ball in front of the penalty point, hit very hard on the spot, but the ball went out of the top.
In the 66th minute Croatia came effectively. Stanisic's hard centre into the penalty area from the right wing bounced off Uğurcan and went the wrong way. Kovacic met the ball in the penalty area with Barisic's pass and his shot was deflected away by Abdülkerim in front of the goal.
In the 82nd minute, in the home team's attack, Majer's centre from the right wing was downed by Petkovic in the penalty area, Majer shot from close range, the ball bounced off Uğurcan and the defence cleared the ball away.
In the 90+1st minute, Croatia used a corner kick from the right and the ball bounced off Kaan Ayhan inside the penalty area and hit Hakan Çalhanoğlu. Referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the penalty spot on the grounds that Hakan Çalhanoğlu's hand was hit by the ball. Taylor, who later watched the position from the sidelines with the VAR warning, cancelled the penalty decision.
The Turkish team won the match 1-0.
With this result, Türkiye increased its score to 13 points and became the leader of the group, leaving Croatia behind with 10 points. Croatia is missing one match.
Armenia and Wales with 7 points each are in 3rd and 4th place in the group. Latvia is in last place with 3 points.
The team will play its seventh match in the group against Latvia on Sunday 15 October in Konya.
The national team managed to beat Croatia away in its first match under new coach Vincenzo Montella.
Baris Alper Yilmaz scored his first goal
Barış Alper Yılmaz, who scored the goal that put the national team 1-0 ahead against Croatia, experienced the joy of scoring for the first time in the national jersey.
Barış Alper scored his first goal in his 8th match for the National Team.
A National Team made the history of Opus Arena
A National Football Team has signed its name in Opus Arena, the newest stadium of Croatia.
Croatia's national team won the first match played in this stadium with the goal of Barış Alper Yılmaz.
Kenan Yildiz in the National Team for the first time
Kenan Yıldız, who was invited to the A National Team candidate squad for the first time, started his national team career by finding the chance to play against Croatia.
Kenan came on for Kerem Aktürkoğlu in the 86th minute of the game.
First win in Croatia
Türkiye managed to defeat Croatia away for the first time in its history.
Türkiye, who had met their opponent 3 times away from home so far, had drawn all 3 matches. The Turkish team broke this streak in their 4th match.
The national team achieved its 2nd victory in the 12th match against its rival. In these matches, Türkiye scored 10 goals and conceded 15 goals.
Important saves by Livakovic
Croatia national team goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic did not give the national team a chance to score with his important saves.
Livakovic made saves in the first 13 minutes to deny the national team's chances with Kerem and Baris Alper.
Baris Alper Yilmaz defeated Livakovic with a goal in the 30th minute.
