Shkodran Mustafi got them off to a perfect start with a thumping header for his first goal for his country, but Ukraine fought back strongly.

Manuel Neuer was forced into a couple of excellent saves, Jerome Boateng cleared one effort off the line and Ukraine had another ruled out for offside in the first half.

The Germans took control after the break, but couldn't find a killer goal until a terrific counterattack in the 93rd minute was finished off by Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Milik delivery for Poland

Arkadiusz Milik made the difference for Poland as his goal ended Northern Ireland's resistance in a one-sided group C encounter.

Northern Ireland were thoroughly outplayed but were harbouring hopes of holding out for a draw until Milik finally broke the deadlock in the second half, leaving Michael O'Neill's men with a mountain to climb in a tough group

Hiding his light

One of the tournament's superstars makes his bow tonight as Sweden take on the Republic of Ireland, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic warned rivals that 'the legend can still deliver'.

“I have been dominating wherever I go. I have no issue about that," he said. 

"I am very confident," he added, just to clear things up.

Final warning

England and Russia could be kicked out of the tournament if their fans misbehave again, warned a 'disgusted' Uefa. 

The message came after several days of clashes in Marseille, and worrying scenes inside the Stade Velodrome.

Meanwhile, northern France was bracing for a possible rematch, with Russia playing in Lille on Wednesday and England in Lens, 30 kilometres away, on Thursday.

Modric magic

Real Madrid's Luka Modric fired Croatia to a 1-0 win over Turkey with an early contender for goal of the tournament.

Turkey cleared their lines and the ball fell out of the sky to him 30 yards out, from whence he blootered it back with a beautiful volley.

Though Croatia dominated, and hit the woodwork a couple of times, they couldn't find another and it finished 1-0.