Croatia secured a hard-fought 2-1 away victory over Czech Republic in their opening match of Group A3 in the UEFA Nations League.
The scoring began just after halftime when the veteran Luka Modric put Croatia ahead. However, the hosts quickly responded as Karabec leveled the score within minutes. The decisive goal came in the 77th minute from Marko Pasalic, who struck to give Croatia the lead they would hold onto.
With this result, Croatia shares the top spot in the group alongside Spain, who defeated England 3-2 at Wembley in a parallel fixture.
UEFA Nations League 2026-27
Czech Republic – Croatia 1:2 (0:0)
Goals: Modric 47 (0:1); Karabec 54 (1:1); Marko Pasalic 77 (1:2)
Czech Republic lineup:
Gornicek; Granac; Coufal; Halupik; Slama (Zmrzly, 83); Sadilek M.; Cerv L. (Kral, 67); Schulz P. (Sejk, 83); Karabec (Schubert, 74); Ambros (Radosta, 67); Glozek
Substitutions: Radosta (67); Kral (67); Schubert (74); Zmrzly (83); Sejk (83)
Reserves: Kovarz M.; Kinski; Krichfalushi; Vitik; Sachek; Buha P.; Matek
Yellow cards: Cerv L. 36; Kral 90
Croatia lineup:
Livakovic; Stanisic; Gvardiol; Vuskovic L.; Sucic P. (Vlasic, 88); Kovacic M.; Modric (Misic J., 76); Perisic I.; Sucic L. (Mario Pasalic, 63); Ivanovic Fr. (Marko Pasalic, 63); Matanovic (Budimir, 63)
Substitutions: Mario Pasalic (63); Marko Pasalic (63); Budimir (63); Misic J. (76); Vlasic (88)
Reserves: Pandur; Kotarski; Smolcic I.; Shutalo J.; Mayer L.; Kramaric; Belo
Yellow cards: Vuskovic L. 66
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