Euro 2016: Real Madrid midfield metronomes Kroos and Modric stamp their authority

Luka Modric's sublime volley against Turkey capped an impressive performance as Croatia got their Group D campaign up and running, while Toni Kroos hits top gear to pull the strings and orchestrate German attacks in 2-0 victory over Ukraine.

Luka Modric celebrates after his winning goal for Croatia against Turkey. Darren Staples / Reuters

Germany 2 Ukraine 0: Metronome Kroos dominates

While the scoreline may hint at a routine Germany victory, Joachim Low’s side were made to sweat by Ukraine on several occasions.

Mykhaylo Fomenko’s men were second best for long periods in Lille, but their well-delivered set pieces and quick counter-attacks down the flanks gave Germany plenty to think about, particularly in an excellent 10-minute spell before half time.

There is room for improvement from a German perspective, then, but as is so often the case they found a way to win despite not being at their best.

See also:

• Thomas Woods: Sweeper keeper Neuer and Kroos control crucial to Germany hopes of winning Euro 2016

• Gallery: Valencia defender Mustafi leads the way before Man United's Schweinsteiger finishes off Ukraine

One player who did hit top gear – particularly in the opening 45 minutes – was Toni Kroos, whose tremendous vision and range of passing created several opportunities.

Kroos can be both tidy and penetrative with his distribution, able to keep things ticking over with short, sharp passes or set his side on the front foot by picking out teammates in advanced positions.

The Real Madrid man’s terrific free-kick delivery set up Shkodran Mustafi’s opener, but it was his ability to run the game in open play that was most impressive.

Turkey 0 Croatia 1: Dark horses emerge?

This was a thoroughly dominant performance from Ante Cacic’s charges, who were superior to Turkey in virtually every department.

There is a great deal of quality in this Croatia team, particularly when it comes to technical and creative forward-thinking players.

Their 4-2-3-1 formation worked well, with the link-up between Darijo Srna and Marcelo Brozovic on the right flank particularly dangerous.

Many of their opportunities came from crosses – Luka Modric’s winner was the result of a partially-cleared one, for instance – while it was notable how effectively they pressed Turkey to win the ball back in the opposition’s half of the field.

See also:

• Luka Modric plays 'one of his best matches in history' to guide Croatia to Euro 2016 win

• Euro 2016 fixtures: Schedule of when to watch every tournament match in UAE time

After group stage exits at Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup, Croatia will be desperate to make an impression in France this summer. If they can play like they did in Sunday's 1-0 win over Turkey consistently, they could be dark horses.

Poland 1-Northern Ireland 0: Lots of work to do for O’Neill and Co

The pattern of this game was set within the opening few minutes, Poland throwing multiple bodies forward in an attempt to unsettle a Northern Ireland rearguard that comprised a five-man backline and two defenders in midfield.

They successfully frustrated Poland for 50 minutes, but it was always apparent that Michael O’Neill’s side would struggle to get back on level terms if they conceded the first goal.

Northern Ireland are a limited team whose biggest strengths are discipline, organisation and togetherness, but it was still a bit of a shame that they did not show a touch more ambition here.

See also:

• Richard Jolly: Gutsy, spirited and plenty of heart, but Northern Ireland's lack of stardust ruthlessly exposed by Poland

• Ian Hawkey: Italy manager Antonio Conte casts an envious eye at Belgium's past and present Chelsea riches

Striker Kyle Lafferty was left too isolated up front, and Northern Ireland lacked a player who possessed both the pace and poise to carry the ball up the pitch when possession changed hands.

Assuming they lose to Germany in their final group game, Northern Ireland will have to improve massively if they are to get the win against Ukraine that they will need to stand any chance of advancing.

Fine margins in opening three days

Bastian Schweinsteiger’s stoppage-time strike sealed Germany’s victory and made the world champions the first team at Euro 2016 to win a game by more than a single-goal margin.

Many expected the new 24-team tournament to produce numerous one-sided encounters in the group stage, but all seven matches thus far have been evenly contested.

Even Turkey, Russia and Northern Ireland, who were all outclassed by their opponents for long periods, managed to stay in their matches right up until the final whistle, with the Russians even nicking a point against England. It bodes well for the action to come.

Player of the day

Modric was superb in Croatia’s 1-0 defeat of Turkey, pulling the strings and controlling the tempo from deep. A magnificent match-winning volley in the 41st minute was the icing on the cake.

Goal of the day

Germany crowned their victory with a brilliant counter-attacking move that culminated in Mesut Ozil picking out Schweinsteiger with a fine cross and the Manchester United man steering a half-volley into the back of the net.

Moment of the day

Bartosz Kapustka only made Poland’s starting XI because of an injury to Kamil Grosicki, but the 19-year-old midfielder performed as if he had been operating at this level for years.

It was brilliant to watch the teenager playing with such freedom and flair; if he can replicate his display against Northern Ireland in Poland’s games to come, he could well earn himself a move to one of Europe’s major leagues this summer.

Decision of the day

Poland’s Arek Milik showed great intelligence and awareness to hang back on the edge of the box in the build-up to his goal. Northern Ireland’s defenders had spent the entire match retreating into their own penalty area, and Milik’s astute decision to hold his run ensured that he had ample time to collect Jakub Blaszczykowski’s pass and drive the ball home.

Howler of the day

It is impossible to know whether Turkey’s game plan was flawed in its conception or execution, but their lack of compactness without the ball allowed Ivan Perisic and Ivan Rakitic to pick up possession between the lines and cause problems.

Statistic of the day

0 – Northern Ireland did not manage a single shot in the first half and failed to register an effort on target in the entire 90 minutes.

Thing to look forward to

Belgium's clash with Italy has the potential to be the outstanding game of the group stage.

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