Euro 2016

[monks data]

European Championship | Group Stage

Jun 12, 2016 at 2pm UK

Turkey
0-1
Croatia

FT(HT: 0-1)

Modric (41')

Match Report

Football

Emphatic Luka Modric volley helps Croatia beat Turkey in Euro 2016 Group D opener

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter

Published: June 12 2016 | 16:01

Last updated: June 16 2016 | 07:08

A long-range Luka Modric volley helps Croatia to a 1-0 win over Turkey in Sunday's Euro 2016 Group D opener at the Parc des Princes in Paris.

Croatia have got their Euro 2016 campaign off to a positive start after securing a 1-0 win over Turkey in Sunday's Group D meeting at Paris's Parc des Princes.

Luka Modric celebrates scoring during the Euro 2016 Group D game between Turkey and Croatia on June 12, 2016 © AFP

Ante Cacic's charges began the game on the front foot as, after just two minutes played, Ivan Rakitic collected the ball inside the box and prodded a first-time shot on goal that flew narrowly wide of the left post.

Just before the half-hour mark Ozan Tufan leaped high to meet a cross and glanced a promising low header from close range, but Danijel Subasic pulled off a smart stop to keep the ball out.

Ozan Tufan and Luka Modric during the Euro 2016 Group D game between Turkey and Croatia on June 12, 2016 © AFP

With four minutes left until the break, Croatia took the lead in emphatic fashion as Luka Modric lashed a volley past Volkan Babacan from over 25 yards out.

Following the restart, Darijo Srna and Ivan Perisic also struck the woodwork while Turkey keeper Babacan made several good saves as Croatia continued to apply the pressure.

Ultimately Cacic's side could not add to their tally, but they were able to keep their opponents at bay and seal all three points, moving to the top of a tough group that includes Spain and the Czech Republic.