By Alexandra Hudson
VIENNA, June 20 - They were famously held at the
gates of Vienna in 1683, but the Turks breached the centre of
the Austrian capital on Friday only to find the Croats had got
there first.
Thousands of soccer fans have descended on Vienna to watch
Croatia take on Turkey in the second Euro 2008 quarter-final,
with the winner advancing to face Germany in the semi-finals
next Wednesday.
In the historic centre of the city around Vienna's St
Stephen's cathedral a huge group of Croats gathered and draped
their flags over every available fountain and lamp-post, singing
boisterously in the sunshine.
Curious locals peeped out from overlooking windows and
side-streets -- Vienna is hosting two foreign teams for the
first time during the tournament, after earlier staging
Austria's three group games.
"It's wonderful to be here, it is such a great atmosphere.
Croatians are very loyal and patriotic which is why there are so
many of us here," said Jelena Kliakovic-Gaspic, a 21-year-old
student, decked out in red and white Croatian checks.
HUGE NUMBERS
Fans have travelled in huge numbers from Croatia to Austria,
in some cases only a few hours drive away.
Vesna Mir, 27, showed off her huge hoop earrings with a
knitted Croatian flag in the middle.
"My mother made these," she said proudly.
A few Turkish fans scurried through the sea of red and white
around the cathedral with their own flags.
"Just wait until later, then the Turkish fans will be out in
force," said 28-year-old Ahmet Ozcam who had come from Istanbul.
Austrian police said earlier they expected a long, sleepless
night on Friday with the weather forecast to be warm and dry and
200,000 fans due in Vienna.
"Whoever wins we will have a long night, and I am sure
victorious fans will want to party in the city after the game,"
said Christian Stella, a spokesman for Vienna police.
Vienna has sizeable Turkish and Croatian communities who
will be joined by Croats and Turks living in neighbouring
Germany, as well as fans visiting from the countries themselves.
About 4,600 police will be on duty, supported by 15 Croatian
and four Turkish hooligan spotters.
Vienna authorities said this week they would be indulgent of
the different ways foreign fans celebrate and were looking
forward to experiencing the southern temperament in the city.
"We and the Turks are definitely very passionate and
emotional," said Kliakovic-Gaspic.
(Editing by Jon Bramley)