Turkey 0 Croatia 1: Luka Modric stunner gives Ante Cacic's squad perfect Euro 2016 start

CROATIA match-winner Luke Modric was hailed for delivering a midfield masterclass to sink Turkey.

By James Dobson

STAR: Croatia midfielder Luka Modric

Modric’s long-range volley capped a man-of-the-match showing to ensure the Croats seized the early initiative in Group D.

It was the least Croatia deserved at the Parc de Princes and boss Ante Cacic said: “Luka really deserves to be talked about and especially after this match.

“It was one of his best for Croatia. He really played well, he was our leader and he scored a magical goal.”

Vedran Corluka suffered a nasty cut to his head from a stray first-half elbow from Cenk Tosu.

But a dominant Croatia - who also twice rattled the crossbar - gave Turkey a bloody nose thanks to Modric’s fine 41st minute strike.

The Turks created little and with group favourites Spain up next they already face an uphill fight to reach the knockout stages.

Turkey boss Fatih Terim added: “We will do our best and keep fighting. Unfortunately we never start well in these big tournaments.”

Turkey: Babacan, Gonul, Topal, Balta, Erkin, Calhanoglu, Tufan, Inan, Ozyakup (Sen 46), Turan (Yilmaz 65), Tosun (Mor 69).

Subs Not Used: Kivrak, Kaya, Calik, Sahin, Sahan, Koybasi, Malli, Ozbayrakli, Tekin.

Booked: Tosun, Balta, Sen.

Croatia: Subasic, Srna, Corluka, Vida, Strinic, Modric, Badelj, Brozovic, Rakitic (Schildenfeld 89), Perisic (Kramaric 86), Mandzukic (Pjaca 90).

Subs Not Used: Vargic, Vrsaljko, Jedvaj, Kovacic, Lovre Kalinic, Rog, Nikola Kalinic, Coric.

Booked: Strinic.

Goals: Modric 41.