Klasnic: Germany Will Beat Turkey

Klasnic, who was the first player to ever participate in a major competition after having a kidney transplant, stated "if things continue like this" Fatih Terim's side "will become the new Greece".

The Werder Bremen striker scored Croatia's only goal in the 119th minute of extra-time, but just when he and the rest of his team-mates were about to celebrate qualification to the semi-finals Semi Senturk equalised for Turkey. The Turks went on to win on penalties.

"If Turkey continue to have this sort of luck we will have something very similar to a new Greece. We were much better than them during the match, the Turks hardly created any goal-scoring opportunities," he said.

"I think the Germans will beat Turkey easily, because the luck they have had can't continue for always."

His team-mate, centre-back Josip Simunic, was also devastated after the defeat, and he hopes "to never have to live such drama for the rest of his life", in reference to the manner in which Slaven Bilic's side lost the match.

The Hertha Berlin defender added: "Football is like this, but life goes on, however, I hope I don't have to experience that kind of drama ever again."

Gregory Sica