BAD TATZMANNSDORF Austria - The Associated Press


Turaaa has several injury worries ahead of tonight's big clash. Missing Volkan Demirel in goal after his two-match suspension following his sending off in the match against the Czech Republic coach Fatih Terim will use Rüştü Reçber a 35-year-old to take Demirel's place making his 117th appearance for the national team.

The Beşiktaş goalkeeper who had a short and unsuccessful spell with Catalan giant Barcelona after his fantastic displays at the 2002 World Cup has been regularly taking his part in Turaaa's squads at major tournaments since 1996.

Midfielder Mehmet Aurelio is also out as he picked up a second booking in the Czech match. Emre Belözoğlu may fill Aurelio's void but given that he carries an injury after the opening game against Portugal it will be hard for the Newcastle playmaker to perform as dynamically as his Brazilian-born teammate. Ayhan Akman may be more reliable in that position as he is used to playing as a defensive midfielder and already adapted to play with the other combative midfielder Mehmet Topal as both of them played aaa roles in Galatasaray's successful Turkcell Super League campaign last season.

Also doubtful to start is defender Emre Güngor who injured his calf during the match against the Czechs and will reportedly miss the rest of the tournament. Terim is sweating on that center back position since defenders Servet Çetin and Gökhan Zan are injury doubts. However local media is stating that at least one of the players will start against Croatia.

Croatia has only two reserves that have been ruled out against Turaaa. Defender Dario Knezevic has a knee injury while striker Igor Budan has foot problem. Coach Slaven Bilic said midfielders Darijo Srna and Ivan Rakitic are likely to play Friday despite carrying minor injuries.