Turks Have the Score, but Croats Have More Power

Croatia’s scout, Gordan Cipric, says the Turks have a somewhat weaker defence and they had to change defenders three times.

The atmosphere in the Croatian team’s camp and his view of the Croatian opponent after the Turkey-Czech Republic match were revealed for Javno by the Croatian team’s scout and man in charge of analysis of the Turkish team, Gordan Cipric.

- Our analyses are made on a match to match basis. We never rush and we do not miss our first next opponent. Only after the game against Poland ends can we start deeper analyses and arrangements regarding the Turkish team. We had talks about Turkey, but we did not enter any deep analyses – Cipric said.

In a brief analysis of the Turkey-Czech Republic match, Cipric told Javno that Turkey played two diagonally opposite half-times. If the first one they played in a non-standard formation 4-4-2, which did not function that well, while in the second half they played in a formation that is more usual for them, 4-3-3.

- That is the formation they usually play in and in which they are more trained, which brought them the advantage. They sought victory and they were carried by the result. If their team could be dissected into parts, then I would have to say that their defence is the weakest part of their team. In three matches they played with three different defenders and that cannot be satisfactory for their coach. This could be an opportunity for (Croatia’s) Olic, who is known for creating pressure on opponents’ defenders. Although everything depends on us as a team. If we get the right formation, our power will become evident and I believe we do have an advantage – Cipric said.

He would not accentuate the possible mental and physical exhaustion of the Turks because they are professionals who play in strong European leagues, so he believes five days after the match with the Czechs is sufficient time for their recovery. But the recklessness of their first goalie will certainly be to Croatia’s advantage, especially because mid-fielder Aurelio got two yellow cards, so he will be absent from the game as well.

- Our team is in very good condition, the atmosphere among the players is excellent and the players can hardly wait for Friday – Cipric concluded.