Turkey, meanwhile, have being on an extraordinary run under Fatih Terim, and also have a few gems at their disposal. Ada Turan has had a so-so maiden season at Barcelona, but the former Atletico Madrid playmaker is a key part of his national team’s set-up, while Hakan Calhanoglu has enjoyed a scintillating season at the heart of Bayer Leverkusen’s midfield. However, there may well be some extra bit from the Turks in today’s encounter, with Croatia having overcome them in their Euro 2012 qualification play-off.
Croatia may well fancy themselves as dark horses to win this tournament. While all the focus has been on hosts France, the usual suspects of Spain, Germany and Italy, along with Belgium’s golden generation - Cacic’s side are able to boast a wealth of talent, with the likes of Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic all integral members of the squad.