Categories: News

Rakitic's Croatia beat Arda Turan's Turkey in Euro 2016

Ivan Rakitic and Arda Turan in the Croatia vs Turkey Euro 2016 game
Two FC Barcelona players came head-to-head in France as Ivan Rakitic represented Croatia to take on Arda Turan‘s Turkey team but it was the former who triumphed after a goal by Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric ensured Croatia get a deserved 1-0 over their opponent in their opening game in Group D at the Parc de Princes.
The game was more of a cagey encounter in the opening stages but Croatia began to grow into the game, taking over the midfield with Luka Modric in the form of his life. The game lacked a major chance until the 41st minute when the Real Madrid man scored a contender for goal of the tournament.
A cross was drifted into the Turkey box but was half-cleared with a defensive header, but Modric was on hand to run onto the ball and smash a superb volley from 25 yards that left the goalkeeper with no chance.
Modric controlled the game perfectly with Rakitic less influential but the Barça midfielder spring up to life in the second half which made the Rakitic-Modric combination too hot to handle for the Turks who were easily second best.
Croatia came so close to doubling their lead on 52 minutes after captain Darijo Srna struck a wonderful free kick off the crossbar and he was again close moments later after he spurned a chance from a rebound after Turkey goalkeeper Babacan parried Perisic’s shot into his path.
Croatia dominated the game and kept on pushing for the second and they were denied by the post once again after Mandzukic’s delivery met Perisic who headed against the bar. Turkey goalkeeper Babacan was also great on the day as he stopped a host of chances later on and the score ended 1-0.
Ivan Rakitic was subbed off on the 89th minute for Gordon Shindenfeld while Arda Turan played 65 minutes but didn’t do much. Croatia now have 3 points and are temporarily top of Group D with Spain to play against Czech Republic.

This post was last modified on December 14, 2018 9:56 am

Precious

Precious is a lover of football, enthusiastic but unbiased Culer. "Life is too short to not love football."

Share
Published by
Precious

Recent Posts

“Impotent Amorim” – Ex-Super Eagles captain reacts to Manchester United’s loss to Crystal Palace

Former Super Eagles midfielder Sunday Oliseh has blasted Manchester United players for their poor defending… Read More

54 minutes ago

Everything Chidera Ejuke said about Akor Adams on Sevilla debut

Super Eagles forward Chidera Ejuke has expressed elation at Akor Adams getting his Sevilla debut… Read More

9 hours ago

“We had a deal” – Trabzonspor President reveals Southampton’s shadiness over Onuachu’s transfer

Trabzonspor President, Ertugrul Dogan, has revealed Southampton prevented Super Eagles striker, Paul Onuachu, from moving… Read More

10 hours ago

Southampton boss lauds Super Eagles goalscoring duo after Ipswich victory

Southampton's head coach, Ivan Juric, praised Nigerian duo, Joe Ayodele-Aribo and Paul Onuachu after their… Read More

11 hours ago

Southampton’s Aribo ready to fight for top-flight status following goal against Ipswich Town

Super Eagles and Southampton midfielder, Joe Ayodele-Aribo has revealed his side plan to give everything… Read More

11 hours ago