Early goals inspire Turkish win

Romanian test
Turkey joined Russia on three points after one game, and next face Romania in Kusadasi on Wednesday. Croatia, meanwhile, play Russia the same day.

Early advantage
Turkey made a nervy start to the match at the Kusadasi Özer Türk stadium, and the first ten minutes were an error-ridden affair. However, in the eleventh minute Müjdat Yalman’s side were ahead, as Ali Öztürk capitalised on uncertainty in the Croatian defence to shoot past Adnan Hodzic to give Turkey the lead.

Simple strike
The same player was the architect of the second goal nine minutes later, unleashing a fine free-kick that struck the far post, leaving Hakan Arslantas with a simple finish from close range.

Cale converts
The home side had two further opportunities to extend their advantage, but were pegged back a minute before half-time as Hrvoje Cale converted a fine pass from the right to halve Croatia’s deficit.

Missed opportunities
The second half was a rather less eventful affair, although Turkey were largely in control of the match and might have restored their two-goal cushion on several occasions.

Golden chance
Croatia struck back in the final ten minutes, however, as they pressed the home side back inside their own half and missed a golden opportunity to snatch a point seconds before the final whistle, but Ivan Sertic was unable to convert the best chance of the match.

Uneven display
"My team deserved this victory," said Yalman. "We dominated over the 90 minutes and played good, entertaining football, particularly in the first half. I was not happy were failed to maintain our first-half performance in the second period. I had the feeling that my players were too emotional and worried about losing the lead, which almost happened in the last seconds of the match. We are concentrating now on the second match against Romania and must perform at a more even level over the entire 90 minutes."