Futsal Planet

Turkey vs Croatia

OFFICIAL MATCH REPORT

by Damon Shaw from Tripoli

Leaving out captain Matija Capar was a brave decision by coach Mato Stankovic but it made no difference in the end as Croatia progress to the quarter finals in pole position thanks to a 3-2 win over a dogged Turkish team. Capar had one yellow card from the first match and another would render him unavailable for the quarter final, but now his card will be cleared for the rest of the tournament.

Turkey started well and knew that a win would see them in with a chance of the quarter finals themselves, but they would be relying on Palestine beating Lebanon or a three way tie. They had a couple of long range efforts saved, with Cihan Ozcan coming closest, but Jukic was in top form to keep Turkey out and then Croatia had the best chance of the opening five minutes. Tihomir Novak shot a free kick at the far post only for Dean Banic to fluff the first excellent chance of the game.

Novak once again troubled the Turks as he worked his way down the left wing before shooting a fierce effort towards goal. It could have gone anywhere, with an array of bodies in front of goal, but it was blocked and cleared by Turkey. Once again down the left Croatia were exploiting and it was Dean Banic, making up for his earlier chance with a chance created from nothing. He turned his defender and shot high into the roof of the net to give Croatia the lead in the 12th minute.

Croatia were in the ascendancy and only a fantastic double save from Akbas stopped Croatia getting further in front. The first shot from Dulvat was blocked and fell to Suton who looked certain to score, but Akbas flung himself in the way and kept Turkey in it in the first period. With Lebanon running away with the game in the African Union Hall Turkey needed a win and they looked like they could get something from the game.

Whatever was said at half time worked for Turkey and Cuma Aziz Saglam went out and scored the goal of the tournament so far. Early possession for Turkey was worked to the left and Kenan Koseoglu played a first time, high ball to the other side of the pitch. Saglam watched the ball and as it dropped over the head of the Croatian defender he elegantly struck the ball with perfection and into the far corner to level the scores.

Turkey could sense victory but they struggled to create chances against the well organised Croats. They restored their lead as Marinovic found Banic who wrong footed the goalkeeper to score. It was 2-1 for ten minutes as Croatia controlled the game, with Turkey getting the occasional breakaway.

Both sides exchanged good chances, but Croatia score the all important next goal and it was through a direct pass from Zarko Luketin who gathered up a Turkish attack. He launched the ball forward to Matija Dulvat and he cleverly evaded the onrushing defender to create a two versus the goalkeeper situation and it was a simple ball to Banic at the far post to tap in the winning goal.

Turkey left it late to bring on the flying goalkeeper as they needed three goals to progress so with two minutes remaining on the clock it was going to be a nigh on impossible task. Cem Keskin donned the goalkeeper’s jersey and it was him who scored to make it 3-2, but it was with only five seconds on the clock and it was too little too late for Turkey. They did manage to muster one more chance and it could have been a smash and grab draw in the last five seconds. It wasn’t and it wouldn’t have seen them progress anyway.

Turkey now join Palestine in the lower half of the tournament to play for ninth to 16th place and Croatia win the group with Lebanon in second.

Dario Marinovic picked up the Futsal Planet MVP award for his continued influence in the match. He created chances and had several efforts saved. He deserved a goal and almost got one right at the death, but his great work to beat his marker was thwarted by the Turkish goalkeeper Akbas from Marinovic’s powerful toe poke

Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com