Croats seek professional help after Turkey's shock win in Euro 2008

Daily newspaper Jutarnji List called on Mirela Vlastelica to give some sound medical advice to their readers, who were left shattered after Turkey leveled with the last kick of the match, in which Croatia scored a minute from the end of extra-time to lead the game, and then won 3-1 on penalties.   Â

Jutarnji List recalled that the difficult and unexpected defeat had thrown the whole country into a depression, citing one supporter who said the defeat had been as painful as losing someone close to one. Â

Thus the paper called up Vlastelica to get her to give some practical advice on how to deal with the loss.

"The country must look to the future," advised Vlastelica.

"The supporters must think of September when the 2010 World Cup qualifiers begin.

"From now till then it is vital that you don’t disrupt your daily routine, do not stop working and above all do not take tranquilizers."

For those who have not enough strength to think about the 2010 World Cup she advises them to sympathize, which is according to her, a process by which one can get through things.

Croatia's players and management will never get over their penalty shootout defeat by Turkey, Slaven Bilic, Croatia's coach, said after Friday's game.

"This is a match that not only we will not forget but that will haunt us for the rest of our lives," Bilic said.Â

TURKISH TRADITION

Croatia seem to be the latest victim of Turkey, the comeback kings, as the red-whites won three successive games in Euro 2008 thanks to goals scored in the last minutes.

Turkey were staring down the barrel of elimination at half-time of their second group game against Switzerland, trailing 1-0. But the Turks roused themselves after the break and turned the game around to win 2-1 and stay alive.    Â

In the next match, an all-or-nothing clash against Czech Republic, Turkey found themselves 2-0 down halfway through the second period but mounted a stunning rise from the ashes to turn that into a last gasp 3-2 win.

And that never say die spirit continued until the last minute of extra-time against Croatia.

Turkish resistance crumbled in the 119th minute as Ivan Klasnic gave Croatia the lead but Turkey finally threw caution to the wind and charged up the other end straight from the kick-off for substitute Semih Senturk to crash home the equalizer with the last kick of the match.

Then came the penalties and while the Turkish nerves never wavered - they converted three out of three - the Croats disintegrated and missed three of four to hand the semi-final spot to their opponents.