Following a superb start to life under new management in midweek, Turkey are within touching distance of qualifying for Euro 2024 as they prepare to host Latvia on Sunday.
The two nations meet in Konya after upsetting the odds to claim victory on Thursday, and Vincenzo Montella's side could need just one point to secure their place at next year's finals.
The home side had never previously lost a European qualifier played on Croatian soil and had won 2-0 in Turkey earlier this year, so former Adana Demirspor coach Vincenzo Montella was not expected to start his international management career with a win.
Soon after replacing Stefan Kuntz in the hotseat, Montella was able to affect an immediate change in fortunes for the Crescent-Stars, who had most recently drawn 1-1 with Armenia in Euro 2024 qualifying and then lost 4-2 to Japan in a friendly.
Baris Alper Yilmaz capitalised on an error by Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic to score the game's only goal with half-an-hour on the clock, and after Turkey doggedly held on to their lead they moved clear at the top of Group D with 13 points from six matches - three ahead of Croatia, who still have a game in hand.
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