Croatia opened their Euro 2016 campaign on Sunday with a 1-0 win over Turkey in Paris. In truth the scoreline did not do justice to their dominance and performance. Ante Cacic’s side hit the woodwork through both Darijo Srna and Ivan Perisic.
They did finally make the breakthrough through on 37 minutes through a brilliant effort from Real Madrid playmaker Luka Modric, which no doubt will be a contender for goal of the tournament.
However, it was not just Modric who impressed against the Turkish. Croatia had a number of impressive displays, including that of winger Ivan Perisic, who was a constant threat to the Turkey defence.
Croatia seems to have a bit of everything in their team. In midfield they have the experience of the aforementioned Modric, Perisic and also Barcelona’s unsung Ivan Rakitic. Then there is there is the youth of the likes of Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic.
Up front they have a striker Mario Mandzukic who has been prolific in top European leagues for a long time. Croatia have also been drawn against Spain and Czech Republic in Group D, but in truth they will now be eying up top spot in the group following the impressive display against Turkey.
The Czech’s and Spanish will be their main rivals for qualification for the knockout stages of the competition. Croatia have started their campaign in a positive manner and have the quality to go far in France.
A good draw in the knockout stages and Cacic’s team could definitely be in this competition for the long haul and will be difficult opponents for any team this summer.