Soccer-Croatia gain some revenge on Turkey with Modric magic

By Reuters/Patrick Vignal - John Sibley   June 12, 2016 | 09:12 am PT
Croatia needed a touch of Luka Modric magic to beat Turkey 1-0 in their Euro 2016 Group D opener on Sunday, gaining a measure of revenge after their bitter quarter-final elimination by the same opponents at Euro 2008.
Soccer-Croatia gain some revenge on Turkey with Modric magic

Inspirational playmaker Modric put Croatia in front with a fine volley from 25 metres that bounced in front of diving Turkey goalkeeper Volkan Babacan shortly before halftime of a tense affair at Parc des Princes.

Soccer-Croatia gain some revenge on Turkey with Modric magic

The game was lively but with no clear chance for either side until the Croatia midfielder offered the first shot on target with a volley from 20 metres that failed to surprise Babacan.

Soccer-Croatia gain some revenge on Turkey with Modric magic

The Real Madrid midfielder, who missed the opening penalty for Croatia in the 2008 shootout, made amends with an impressive display, organising his side with calm authority.
In photo: Turkey players form a wall defending a freekick REUTERS/Christian Hartmann Livepic

Soccer-Croatia gain some revenge on Turkey with Modric magic

Seconds later, Turkey threatened for the first time with a header by Ozan Tufan from a fine Gokhan Gonul cross.

Soccer-Croatia gain some revenge on Turkey with Modric magic

A cloud of smoke after the goal suggested flares had been launched from a section of the stadium packed with Croatia fans. A smoke bomb was later thrown in behind the Croatia goal.

Soccer-Croatia gain some revenge on Turkey with Modric magic

No other incidents were reported in a game under tight scrutiny after the ugly scenes that marred Saturday's match between England and Russia in Marseille.

Soccer-Croatia gain some revenge on Turkey with Modric magic

The game became scrappy with quite a few fouls, notably from Turkey, and Croatia defenderVedran Corluka had to play most of the match with a bandaged.

Soccer-Croatia gain some revenge on Turkey with Modric magic

He was elbowed by striker Cenk Tosun while fighting for a high ball.

Soccer-Croatia gain some revenge on Turkey with Modric magic

Turkey's Emre Mor comes on as a substitute to replace Cenk Tosun REUTERS/Christian Hartmann Livepic

Soccer-Croatia gain some revenge on Turkey with Modric magic

Croatia's Ivan Strinic in action with Turkey's Volkan Sen REUTERS/John Sibley Livepic

Soccer-Croatia gain some revenge on Turkey with Modric magic

Referee Jonas Eriksson shows a yellow card to Turkey's Volkan Sen

Inspirational playmaker Modric put Croatia in front with a fine volley from 25 metres that bounced in front of diving Turkey goalkeeper Volkan Babacan shortly before halftime of a tense affair at Parc des Princes.

The Real Madrid midfielder, who missed the opening penalty for Croatia in the 2008 shootout, made amends with an impressive display, organising his side with calm authority.

Photos by Reuters/John Sibley

 
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