Modric stunner lifts Croats

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric scored a brilliant volley as Croatia defeated Turkey 1-0 in their Euro 2016 Group D opener on Sunday.

Ante Cacic's Croatia dominated throughout, twice hitting the bar in the second half. But it was Modric's 41st-minute strike -- his 11th international goal -- that separated the teams at the final whistle.

Victory gave Croatia revenge for their elimination on penalties by Turkey in the quarterfinals at Euro 2008, although they had previously beaten them in qualifying prior to Euro 2012.

Fatih Terim's Turkey now have it all to do against defending champions Spain on Friday. Croatia can already go into their game against the Czech Republic with one eye on the last 16.

"We are definitely in the hardest group, with Spain, so it is a perfect start to get three points," said Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic.

The talent in both line-ups had raised hopes of an open contest and it took Croatia less than two minutes to threaten. Ivan Rakitic flung himself at Darijo Srna's cross and hooked a volley across goal.

But the two teams' determination to play through the middle of the pitch made for a narrow, niggly encounter at the Parc des Princes.

When Croatia did procure sights of goal, their efforts went either too close to Turkey goalkeeper Volkan Babacan or too far from the target.

Modric illuminated the game with his deft flicks and surefooted touches, and with half-time approaching he provided the breakthrough.

Selcuk Inan appeared to have cleared the danger by hoofing the ball high to the edge of the Turkey box, but Modric watched it drop before spearing an emphatic, dipping volley past Babacan from 25 yards.

Terim made a change at half-time, sending on Volkan Sen for Oguzhan Ozyakup and moving captain Arda Turan infield in a 4-2-3-1 system.

But Croatia continued to boss proceedings and Srna twice went close, first clipping the crossbar with a free-kick and then lashing wide.

The introduction of 18-year-old Emre Mor, the forward dubbed 'The Turkish Messi', drew roars of approval from Turkey's fans.

Yet it was Croatia who came closest to scoring in the closing stages as Babacan tipped a header from Brozovic over the bar.

In the day's second game, Ajax striker Arkadiusz Milik broke Northern Ireland hearts on Sunday after rifling home the only goal in their Euro 2016 Group C opener in Nice.

Poland had never won a game before at the European Championship, with three draws and three losses over two appearances in 2008 and 2012 -- the latter a tournament that they co-hosted with Ukraine.

Now they can look forward to a spicy tie with neighbours Germany on June 16 with eyes on a spot in the last 16.

The result dents Northern Ireland's pre-tournament hopes of qualifying from a tough group as one of the four best third-placed teams, with a win now essential against Ukraine in Lyon the same day.

Adam Nawalka's side dominated but took time to break down a stubborn defence, Milik's strike early in the second half coming after several missed chances.