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| 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.