Turkey defeated in Paris
Brilliant Modrić strike rewards excellent Croatia
12.06.2016.
Photo by: Drago Sopta/HNS
Croatia's desires came true at Parc des Princes - in its UEFA EURO 2016 opening match, a victory was achieved, courtesy of Luka Modrić.
TURKEY - CROATIA 0:1 (0:1)
UEFA EURO 2016, Group D.
Parc des Princes, Paris.
Referee: J. Eriksson (Sweden)
Goal: 0:1 - Modrić (41')
Cautions: Tosun (31'), Balta (48'), Strinić (80'), Sen (90+1')
Turkey: Babacan, Erkin, Topal, Balta, Gonul, Tufan, Inan, Ozyakup (46' Sen), Turan (65' Yilmaz), Calhanoglu, Tosun (69' Mor). Head coach: F. Terim.
Croatia: Subašić, Strinić, Vida, Ćorluka, Srna, Badelj, Modrić, Brozović, Rakitić (89' Schildenfeld), Perišić (87' Kramarić), Mandžukić (90+3' Pjaca). Head coach: A. Čačić.
Croatia national football team did an excellent job in the first EURO 2016 encounter, winning over Turkey 1:0 and wasting even more opportunities in the process.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
The Vatreni tried to score at the very beginning through Srna - Rakitić - Perišić move, with subsequent efforts from Brozović and Badelj. However, Turkey replied in 29th minute, when Subašić held Tufan header on the line.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
Luka Modrić then took care to avoid a goalless break. He struck a first-time rebound from 25 meters and brilliantly found net, to the immense joy of Croatian fans at the stadium and throughout the homeland.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
In the second half, Ante Čačić's men refused to stop.
Srna rattled the crossbar from the free-kick and missed a golden opportunity afterwards, then Brozović nearly found the target, while Perišić later hit the crossbar once again. Ten minutes from time, Babacan managed to keep Brozović header out.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
In the closing minutes, Croatia stood firm with injured Ćorluka and due to maximum effort maintained a cool head and its lead. With three points, Croatia awaits the Czech Republic encounter in Saint Etienne on 17 June.
Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS
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