Hiddink talks Turkey ahead of Croatia visit

Turkey coach Guus Hiddink is expecting a tight contest when his side host Croatia in the first leg of their Euro 2012 playoff on Friday.

Turkey finished second in Group A, holding off the challenge of Belgium to claim a playoff berth.

Croatia, meanwhile, were just two points off automatic qualification, finishing behind Greece in Group F.

Hiddink knows Slaven Bilic’s men will be eager to avenge their defeat to Turkey in the Euro 2008 quarter-final.

The teams drew 0-0 over 90 minutes and 1-1 in extra-time, before a 3-1 penalty shootout victory sent Turkey through in Vienna.

Despite Croatia’s ample motivation to perform, Hiddink remains confident his team will emerge from their first encounter in control of the tie.

“We are ready to give them a very hard night,” Hiddink told UEFA.com.

“Not conceding a goal is a major priority for us.”

“Therefore it’s important to cut the passing traffic. I expect an even game. Both teams have talented players and emotion is high for the two sides.”

“It’s very hard to predict the score in such games.”

Bilic has a healthy respect for Turkey, and wants his side to come out firing in what is sure to be an intimidating atmosphere at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium.

“I know Turkey are a good team, but we will do our talking on the pitch on Friday,” he said.

“We will go into it as if we were playing one decisive match, not two. The atmosphere in the camp is very positive and I have a good feeling.”

The second leg takes places at Zagreb’s Stadion Maksimir on Tuesday.