Poland, Croatia win Euro matches

Poland and Croatia beat North Ireland and Turkey respectively in their Euro 2016 matches yesterday, reports AFP from France.
Ajax striker Arkadiusz Milik broke Northern Ireland hearts 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 in the Stade de France 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 the game but took time to break down a stubborn defence, Milik's strike early in the second half coming after several missed chances in the first.
For Michael O'Neill's side, it was a disappointing end to their first ever European Championship match, and first major tournament appearance since the 1986 World Cup.
In the day’s another match, Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric scored a brilliant volley as Croatia defeated Turkey 1-0 in their Euro 2016 Group D opener.
Ante Cacic's Croatia dominated throughout, twice hitting the bar in the second half, but it was only 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 quarter-finals at Euro 2008, although they had previously beaten them in a qualifying play-off prior to Euro 2012.
"What can I say about the goal?" said Modric, the man of the match. "I hit the ball perfectly and thank God I scored.
"I'm really happy with this goal, but I'm even more happy about our performance and the victory and the three points."
While Fatih Terim's Turkey now have it all to do ahead of their meeting with defending champions Spain in Nice on Friday, Croatia will go into their game against the Czech Republic with one eye on the last 16.
"In the first half we made a good game, but we have to admit that Croatia were better in the second half," said Terim.
"We will keep fighting. Unfortunately we never start well in these big tournament. I'm upset, but we will learn our lessons."
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, home of French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Poland, Croatia win Euro matches

Poland and Croatia beat North Ireland and Turkey respectively in their Euro 2016 matches yesterday, reports AFP from France. Ajax striker Arkadiusz Milik broke Northern Ireland hearts 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 in the Stade de France on June 16 with eyes on a spot in the last 16. The result dents Northern Irelands 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 Nawalkas side dominated the game but took time to break down a stubborn defence, Miliks strike early in the second half coming after several missed chances in the first. For Michael ONeills side, it was a disappointing end to their first ever European Championship match, and first major tournament appearance since the 1986 World Cup. In the days another match, Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric scored a brilliant volley as Croatia defeated Turkey 1-0 in their Euro 2016 Group D opener. Ante Cacics Croatia dominated throughout, twice hitting the bar in the second half, but it was only Modrics 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 quarter-finals at Euro 2008, although they had previously beaten them in a qualifying play-off prior to Euro 2012. What can I say about the goal? said Modric, the man of the match. I hit the ball perfectly and thank God I scored. Im really happy with this goal, but Im even more happy about our performance and the victory and the three points. While Fatih Terims Turkey now have it all to do ahead of their meeting with defending champions Spain in Nice on Friday, Croatia will go into their game against the Czech Republic with one eye on the last 16. In the first half we made a good game, but we have to admit that Croatia were better in the second half, said Terim. We will keep fighting. Unfortunately we never start well in these big tournament. Im upset, but we will learn our lessons. 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 Srnas 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, home of French champions Paris Saint-Germain.