Croatia's Niko Kovac announced his retirement from international play after Euro 2008, which could make Friday's match against Turkey his last. (Michael Probst/Associated Press)Picked as a tournament dark horse prior to the kickoff of Euro 2008, Croatia is on the cusp of reaching the semifinals of a major international competition for the first time in a decade.
All that stands in its way is the small matter of a quarter-final meeting with Turkey Friday in Vienna.
After reaching the final four of the 1998 World Cup, Croatia lived up to its billing as one of the teams to watch at Euro by winning all of its first-round games and finishing first place in Group B ahead of three-time European champions Germany.
The team's three consecutive wins, not to mention its steely defence (Croatia has only conceded one goal thus far) has many believing that the side has shed its label of underdog and emerged as a contender, and that it will easily brush aside the challenge of the Turks.
Nonsense, says Croatian coach Slaven Bilic.
"We're not complacent and we won't stop," said Bilic. "It's our intention to go as far as possible. Of course we're under pressure and the pressure's rising, but it's a positive pressure. We welcome it. It can only motivate us more and make us play better."
He's also aware that his team can't afford to let up on the Turks for one second.
In its previous game, Turkey trailed the Czech Republic by two goals in the second half and appeared destined to bow out of the tournament before scoring three goals in the final 15 minutes of regulation time to post a dramatic 3-2 victory and book its place in the quarter-finals.
The Czech Republic game came on the heels of another last-gasp victory, a 2-1 decision over tournament co-host Switzerland that was sealed with Arda Turan's goal in injury time.
Turkey's never-say-die attitude has Bilic more than a little concerned.
"That shows how strong they are," the Croatian coach said. "We must be fully concentrated until the final whistle. They have good morale and they don't give up. It's praiseworthy but it also shows their weakness. Nobody wants to trail in a match and to have to come back."
A rash of injuries could soften Turkey's resolve, though.
Defenders Emre Gungor (calf) and Servet Cetin (hip and knee), and midfielders Emre Belozoglu and Tumer Metin (both groin) will likely not play Friday, while starting goalkeeper Volkan Demirel and defensive midfielder Mehmet Aurelio are suspended.
Despite a rash of injuries, Turkey's coach Fatih Terim likes his team's chances.
"We have no excuses," said Terim. "It doesn't matter who plays at the back, in midfield or up front. What's important is how the players perform, not their names. All our injured players are important to us, but their replacements can do a good job."
Demirel's suspension means Rustu Recber, who was in goal for Turkey when it finished in fourth place at the 2002 World Cup, will be between the posts for Friday's affair.
"We believe in him. He has lots of big tournament experience," said Terim.
Friday's game could be Niko Kovac's last for the Croatian national team.
The veteran midfielder and Croatian captain announced Thursday he will end his international career after the tournament. Kovas has 13 goals in 78 appearances for Croatia since making his national team debut in 1996.
"This could be my last match for Croatia, but let's hope it isn't as I have a feeling we can do much more here than just the quarter-finals," said the 36-year-old midfielder.
