Croatia came from behind to defeat Czechia 2-1 in their UEFA Nations League opener on Saturday, overcoming a second-half equaliser to begin their League A campaign with three points. The visitors started strongly in Prague, with Luka Modrić continuing to dictate play from midfield as Croatia gradually increased the pressure……
Croatia came from behind to defeat Czechia 2-1 in their UEFA Nations League opener on Saturday, overcoming a second-half equaliser to begin their League A campaign with three points.
The visitors started strongly in Prague, with Luka Modrić continuing to dictate play from midfield as Croatia gradually increased the pressure on the hosts. However, neither side could find a breakthrough before half-time.
Croatia eventually opened the scoring two minutes after the restart. A misplaced Czech pass fell to Igor Matanović, who helped the ball into the path of Modrić. The Croatia captain advanced towards the edge of the penalty area before unleashing a powerful effort into the far corner to put his side 1-0 ahead.
Czechia responded just seven minutes later. Adam Hložek worked his way into a dangerous position before finding Adam Karabec in the centre of the box, with the Sparta Prague captain keeping his composure to beat Dominik Livaković and restore parity at 1-1.
The hosts then had a golden opportunity to complete the turnaround when Matěj Radosta was played through on goal in the 71st minute. However, the Czech forward fired over from close range, leaving Croatia with a reprieve.
Croatia made the opportunity count six minutes later.
Ivan Perišić delivered a cross from the left and Marco Pašalić rose to head the ball towards goal. His effort went through goalkeeper Lukáš Horníček’s legs and crossed the line to restore Croatia’s lead at 2-1.
Czechia appeared to have levelled again shortly afterwards when Radosta found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR check. Croatia survived the late pressure to secure victory.
The result marked a winning start to Slaven Bilić’s second spell as Croatia head coach. Croatia also ended Czechia’s 19-match unbeaten home run.
Croatia will next face Spain before hosting England, while Czechia are set to take on England in their next Nations League fixture.
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