Croatia Edge Czechia 2-1 in Nations League Opener as Modric and Pasalic Strike

Croatia began their UEFA Nations League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Czechia on Saturday, overcoming an equalizer from Adam Karabec before Marco Pasalić scored the decisive goal in the closing stages.

The Group C encounter at Prague’s Fortuna Arena was goalless at halftime, but the match opened up after the break. Croatia made the breakthrough just two minutes into the second half when veteran captain Luka Modrić found the net in the 47th minute.

Modric’s goal gave Croatia an early advantage, but Czechia responded quickly. Adam Karabec leveled the contest in the 54th minute, restoring belief for the home side and setting up a tense final half-hour.

Croatia continued to push for another goal and eventually regained the lead in the 77th minute. Substitute Marco Pasalić headed home from an Ivan Perisić delivery to put the visitors 2-1 ahead. The goal proved decisive as Czechia was unable to find another equalizer.

The hosts appeared to have scored again shortly afterward, but the effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR review. That decision preserved Croatia’s narrow advantage as the match entered its final stages.

Croatia’s victory also marked the return of Slaven Bilić as national-team coach. According to reports, the match represented Bilic’s first game back in charge after a lengthy absence from the Croatia bench. The result therefore gave his return a winning start in the new Nations League campaign.

For Czechia, the defeat came despite a determined second-half response. Karabec’s equalizer briefly put the home team in position to take control, but Croatia’s experience and attacking pressure ultimately proved enough to secure the three points.

The result places Croatia on three points after the opening round of Group C, while Czechia begins the campaign without a point. Croatia will now look to build on the victory in its next Nations League fixture, while Czechia will seek a response in its upcoming match.