MODRIĆ AND MARCO PAŠALIĆ SEAL THREE POINTS

Croatia open Nations League campaign with victory in Czechia

27.09.2026.

Photo by: Drago Sopta/HNS

The Croatia national team defeated hosts Czechia 2-1 in Prague in the opening round of Group A3 of the new UEFA Nations League campaign.

CZECHIA – CROATIA 1:2 (0:0)

Nations League, Group A3
Fortuna Arena, Prague

Referee: S. Sozza (Italy)

Goals: 0-1 Modrić (47’), 1-1 Karabec (54’), 1-2 Marco Pašalić (77’)

Yellow cards: Červ (37’), Vušković (67’), Kral (90+5’)

Czechia: Horniček, Slama (83’ Zmrzly), Chaloupek, Hranač, Coufal, Sadilek, Šulc (83’ Sejk), Červ (67’ Kral), Ambros (67’ Radosta), Karabec (74’ Šubert), Hložek. Coach: S. Denia.

Croatia: Livaković, Perišić, Gvardiol, Vušković, Stanišić, Modrić (76’ Mišić), Kovačić, P. Sučić (88’ Vlašić), L. Sučić (63’ Mario Pašalić), Ivanović (63’ Marco Pašalić), Matanović (63’ Budimir). Coach: S. Bilić.

In Slaven Bilić’s return debut as head coach, the Vatreni successfully completed their task in the Czech capital and began their Nations League campaign with three valuable points.

Midway through the first half, Luka Sučić came close to opening the scoring, while in the final minutes before the break, home goalkeeper Horniček saved an excellent effort from Petar Sučić. Matanović also came close, with his effort going just wide of the post.

Croatia took the lead at the start of the second half when captain Luka Modrić capitalised on a ball won by Matanović and found the net from the edge of the penalty area. Czechia levelled just seven minutes later, with Hložek providing a cut-back for Karabec, who made it 1-1.

Croatia restored their lead in the 77th minute, with Perišić providing the assist after delivering a cross from the left and Marco Pašalić heading the ball into the net around 15 minutes after coming on as a substitute to make it 2-1.

Czechia immediately responded through Radosta, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR intervention. In stoppage time, Horniček produced another fine save to deny an excellent effort from Budimir.

The Vatreni will continue their Nations League campaign on Tuesday, 29 September, with an away match against reigning world champions Spain in Seville.

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