Rangers: Croatian media reacts to Borna Barisic performance in defeat v Turkey
Rangers defender Borna Barisic played for Croatia as they suffered a narrow defeat against Turkey on Thursday (12 October).
The left-back started the game but was substituted with 10 minutes left to play as his were beaten 1-0 at home in their European Championship qualifier.
A goal in the first half from Baris Yilmaz was enough to secure the three points for Turkey, leaving Croatia second in their qualifying group.
Croatian media has been reacting to the performance of Barisic, with Germanijak.HR handing him a 6 rating. The news outlet said unlike right-back Josip Stanisic, the Gers defender at least tried to combine with left-winger Josip Brekalo. But it added that he did this “without any particular success”.
It was a similar story for the left-back with Jutarnji, as it also gave him a 6 rating. The Croatian newspaper said on its website that he was “more active” in the first half, but after picking up a yellow card shortly after Turkey opened the scoring, he “let go less” after the break as his side fell to a defeat.
Not ideal
It certainly wasn’t an ideal result for Barisic and Croatia as they failed to take the opportunity to open up a three-point gap on Turkey at the top of the group.
They now face a tricky task in trying to ensure they finish in first place and guarantee their qualification for the European Championships at the end of this season.
It sounds as though the Rangers defender had a decent first half as he looked to provide an option from the left and support Brekalo playing in front of him.
But the yellow card he picked up probably made him wary of getting forward too much before he was eventually subbed later on in the second half.
A victory could have handed the Light Blues player a boost in confidence after things haven’t been easy at Ibrox lately, but he’ll be hoping to be provided with another opportunity when Croatia face Wales on Sunday (15 October).
In other Rangers news, a BBC host has shared a timeline update on when the Gers could appoint a new manager.