Luka Modric Inspires Croatia to Nations League Win in Bilic’s Return
Luka Modric marked Croatia’s UEFA Nations League opener with a decisive display in Prague, scoring in a 2-1 win over Czechia before Marco Pasalic added the second-half goal that secured three away points for Slaven Bilic’s returning side.
Modric sets the standard on Bilic’s return
The match carried added significance for Bilic, who was back in the Croatia dugout 14 years after the end of his first spell as head coach. His new campaign began with a valuable result, shaped by the continued authority of captain Modric in midfield.
Modric controlled Croatia’s possession and opened the scoring with a strike that took a deflection on its way through. Czech goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek believed he may have reached the effort without the change of direction, but still identified the veteran midfielder as the game’s defining player.
“Without the deflection, I felt I might have been able to get a hand to it,” Hornicek said. “But Modric is an outstanding player and he made the biggest difference.”
Pasalic’s finish after the interval gave Croatia the cushion they needed to see out the contest and leave Prague with an early advantage in their Nations League group.
Key moments in Prague
- Modric dictated the early rhythm for Croatia and broke the deadlock with a deflected effort.
- Czechia attempted to respond on home soil, but Hornicek later accepted that Modric’s quality had proved crucial.
- Pasalic scored in the second half to establish Croatia’s 2-1 winning margin.
- Bilic completed his first competitive match back in charge with an important away victory.
Bilic hails captain’s enduring influence
Bilic reserved particular praise for Modric after the match, describing the captain’s physical condition and technical command as exceptional for a player of his age.
“We should be proud to live in Luka’s era and to have the chance to watch him,” Bilic said. “At his age, what he is doing is remarkable. There is nobody else capable of doing it in the same way.”
Mateo Kovacic also pointed to the immediate connection within the squad under Bilic, with Modric remaining the central figure around whom Croatia’s midfield and leadership group are built.
Spain and England await on Tuesday
Croatia’s next test comes in Seville on Tuesday evening, when Bilic’s team face world champions Spain. The result in Prague gives them momentum before one of the group’s most demanding away fixtures, with Croatia aiming to strengthen their position at the top.
Czechia remain in Prague for their Tuesday meeting with England. New head coach Santi Denia will seek a rapid response after his side were unable to contain Modric and Croatia in their opening match.
Key takeaways
- Croatia opened their Nations League campaign with a 2-1 away win over Czechia in Prague.
- Modric scored Croatia’s first goal, while Pasalic struck after half-time.
- Bilic began his second Croatia spell with victory, 14 years after his previous tenure ended.
- Croatia travel to Spain on Tuesday, while Czechia host England.
