Roundup: Germany shows muscle, Poland enjoys 1st win, Modric magic

UEFA EURO 2016 Day 3 witnessed world champion Germany's dominating strength, Poland's first win in the tournament's history and the magic of Croatia's Real Madrid playmaker Luka Modric.

Germany beat Ukraine 2-0 in its first match of Group C here on Sunday night with 63 percent ball possession and the completion of 612 passes against 202 for Ukraine.

German central defender Shkodran Mustafi, 24, opened the scoring in the 19th minute when the Valencia defender outjumped Ukrainian midfielder Serhiy Sydorchuk to power a header into the top corner of the net.

It was the first international goal for Mustafi.

The second goal appeared in the 92nd minute when substitute playmaker Bastian Schweinsteiger, who just came from the bench for two minutes, picked Mesut Ozil's pinpoint cross in the box and guided a bounced volley past the helpless Ukrainian keeper Andriy Pyatov.

German coach Joachim Low said, "It was an intense and fast-paced game. It wasn't easy against a good Ukrainian defense, but we found solutions and so I'm very satisfied."

Ukraine coach Mykhailo Fomenko said, "Sydorchuk is a young player. I think we need some experience. The German team played like a machine, a very high level machine, very impressive."

Although Toni Kroos was picked as the Man of the Match, Pyatov was at least another eyecatching player who denied many scoring attempts from Ozil, Draxler, Muller, Gotze and substitute Andre Schurrle.

In Nice, Arkadiusz Milik's goal in the 51st minute helped Poland to edge newcomer Northern Ireland 1-0 in Group C.

It was the first-ever win for Poland at a European Championship, following two disappointing displays in the last two tournaments.

"It's just the beginning, the next matches will show that we can play even better," said Poland midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak.

Lewandowski, Poland's top star, scored 13 in the Euro 2016 qualifiers, was besieged by defenders of Northern Ireland when he touched the ball and had no chance to score.

In Paris, a thumping volley from Modric helped Croatia earn a 1-0 victory over Turkey in its Group D opener.

The 30-year-old sent in the dipping volley with his right foot in the 41st minute.

"It was one of his (Luka's) best matches in Croatia's history. He was really playing well. He was really our leader," said Croatia coach Ante Cacic.

"He scored a magical goal and at the end it was the only goal. We need Luka in this form. All the team looks better and more aggressive when he plays like that," Cacic added. Endit