Luka Modric scored a dipping volley in the 41st minute to give Croatia a 1-0 halftime lead over Turkey.
Modric’s perfect technique stood out in an uninspiring first half at Parc des Princes. The Real Madrid midfielder strode forward into the path of a high clearance for a 25-meter shot that Turkey goalkeeper Volkan Babacan couldn’t keep out.
Two teams traditionally known for neat passing resorted more to lofting crosses into their opponent’s penalty area.
At the end, it was a deserved win for Croatia, who begin their campaign in style thanks to Luka Modric’s brilliant winner. It should have been even more comfortable but the number of chances they passed up didn’t come back to bite them in the end. Turkey were poor. They’ll need a big improvement when they face Spain and the Czech Republic – who meet tomorrow afternoon – if they’re to qualify from Group D.
