UEFA Nations League 2026-27: Luka Modric, Marco Pasalic Fire Croatia to 2-1 Win Against Czechia
Luka Modric, aged 41, and Marco Pasalic, 31, spearheaded Croatia to a thrilling 2-1 away victory over Czechia in their UEFA Nations League 2026-27 opener. The Vatreni kicked off their campaign with three vital points in Prague at the Fortuna Arena.
Prague, Czechia – Croatia’s seasoned campaigners, Luka Modric and Marco Pasalic, proved instrumental once again, each scoring to hand the Vatreni a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Czechia in their UEFA Nations League 2026-27 opener. The highly anticipated League A, Group 3 clash took place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Fortuna Arena in Prague, under the watchful eyes of new national team managers. UEFA Nations League 2026-27: Mikel Oyarzabal Nets Winner as World Champions Spain Sink England in Wembley Thriller.
Croatia Win 2-1
Modrić helps Croatia to a win 👏#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/0w9j6gVVRD
— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) September 26, 2026
Match Details and Turning Points
The contest, kicking off at 12:15 AM IST, saw both sides eager to make a strong start to their Nations League campaign. Croatia, under the newly appointed Slaven Bilić, showed their characteristic resilience and attacking flair. It was the ever-green captain Luka Modric, at 41 years old, who broke the deadlock with a moment of individual brilliance, silencing the home crowd. His goal underscored his enduring quality and leadership on the international stage.
Not long after, Atalanta midfielder Marco Pasalic, aged 31, doubled Croatia's lead with a well-taken finish, further asserting Croatia's dominance in the first half. While Czechia, now managed by Santi Denia, rallied and managed to pull one back, Croatia's defensive resolve held firm to see out the game and clinch all three points.
New Era, Familiar Success
Both teams entered this Nations League season with new faces in the dugout. Slaven Bilić took the reins for Croatia following the departure of long-serving and successful coach Zlatko Dalić. Meanwhile, Czechia also began a new chapter with Santi Denia at the helm, a period marked by the retirement of key striker Patrik Schick from international duty prior to the competition.
The victory positions Croatia favorably in League A, Group 3, giving them an early advantage with three points and a positive goal difference. Czechia, despite a spirited effort, will be looking to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures. UEFA Nations League 2026–27: Kylian Mbappe Strike Fires France Win Over Turkey To Kick Off Zinedine Zidane Era.
Head-to-Head Record
Croatia continues its impressive unbeaten run against Czechia. Prior to this match, the Vatreni had never lost to the Czechs in six previous encounters, boasting three wins and three draws. This latest victory extends that formidable record, solidifying Croatia's psychological edge in this burgeoning rivalry.
| Teams | Played | Wins (Croatia) | Draws | Losses (Croatia) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Croatia vs Czechia | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 |
This crucial away win sets a positive tone for Croatia's 2026-27 UEFA Nations League journey, demonstrating their capability to perform under new management and against determined opposition.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 27, 2026 08:42 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
