Euro 2016: Turkey 0 - 1 Croatia - 5 talking points

5) Turkey are yet to begin their Euro campaign on a winning note

Turkey have lost the opening match of every Euro they have played

Euro 2016 is Turkey’s fourth appearance at the European Championship. Their 1-0 loss to Croatia today also marks the fourth consecutive occasion when they have lost in their opening game of the Euros.

In Turkey’s Euro debut in 1996, they were up against fellow debutants Croatia at Nottingham where a late Goran Vlaovic winner separated both teams. In their second appearance in 2000, Turkey lost 2-1 to eventual runners-up Italy. In 2008, Turkey once again lost, this time, 2-0 to Portugal although they would end the tournament better than Portugal.

After their 1-0 loss to Croatia, Turkey need to bounce back strongly against Spain and Czech Republic in order to stand any chance of qualification from such a tricky ground.