|
ZAGREB, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Parc des Princess was the stage of the biggest success for Croatian football in 1998 and on Sunday this Parisian stadium once again proved to be a lucky place for Croatia's finest footballers.
Luka Modric's perfect volley from 25 meters was enough to beat Turkey and give a boost to Croatian hopes of big result in France. "Little Wizard" used his magic in 41st minute of the match and his goal was a well deserved reward for everything else that he has done for Croatian team.
"Modric was fantastic. He was the true leader of this team. His strike was perfect. When you go for a shot like that it can end up perfect, like it did, or it could end up like a total mishit," said former Croatian team member Josko Jelicic who is now known as one of the best TV football analysts.
"There isn't a better feeling than scoring on such a big occasion. He deserved to be the one to score," added Goran Vlaovic who was the lone scorer in 1996 EURO opener against Turkey in England which was the first Croatian goal in a big tournament.
Modric was a member of the team beaten by Turks on penalties in the quarterfinals of 2008 EURO in Vienna. This win will not make up for that shocking loss, when Turkey scored equalizing goal in the last seconds of extra time, but it could prove to be the first and very important step on a path to glory.
Croatian manager Ante Cacic was straightforward with his plan to build this team and his tactics around Real Madrid star and players were confident that they have what it takes to beat Turkey. On Sunday in Paris they clearly were a better team.
"We could score at least on two or three other occasions. It was well deserved win and I was lucky with that volley. We know what we are capable for. We are not arrogant, we are just aware of our quality as a team," Luka Modric said in an interview for Croatian television after he was named Man of the Match.
Modric's strike of brilliance sparked the celebration across the country that needed a positive break from everyday political crisis that is going through in recent weeks. At least for a day, politicians will have to step back and leave the stage to Croatian sporting heroes and the only thing that it took to make it happen was one moment of magic from Luka, the Little Wizard.
On Friday, June 17, Croatian team will again carry the hopes of the nation on its shoulders when it will play against Czech Republic in Saint-Etienne.
With another performance like the one they had against Turkey, Croatians would be in a good position for a second win and secured their place in the knockout stage of the big tournament for the first time in eight years.
On Sunday, Ante Cacic became only the third Croatian manager that led the national team to a win in the opening match on the big stage, with legendary Ciro Blazevic and Slaven Bilic being the other two. Cacic now has history and tradition on his side. Modric and his fellowship will be well aware of the fact that Croatia never failed to pass the group stage when it won the opening match.
"It's time for our generation to shine on the big stage. We believe," Modric said before the start of EURO in France. Enditem
