Modrić Refuses to Fade: Croatia Snatch Vital Win in Czechia to Open Nations League Campaign
The 41-year-old captain opens the scoring and Pašalić settles it 2-1 in Round 1 of League A, Group 3
Croatia left Czech soil with all three points on Saturday night, 26 September 2026, beating their hosts 2-1 in their UEFA Nations League opener in Group 3 of League A. Once again, the night belonged to Luka Modrić, a man time has yet to catch.
A first half without a signature
The first half ended goalless. Caution won out. In an opening fixture neither side could afford to lose, nobody was willing to open up space early. Everyone was waiting for one moment to break the deadlock, and it came soon enough.
47': The legend speaks
Two minutes after the restart, Modrić put Croatia in front. The captain turned 41 only days ago and is still scoring at the top tier of European football. This goal was more than a line on the scoresheet. It answered everyone who wrote this generation off too soon. Modrić isn't just playing against opponents. He's playing against the calendar.
54': Czechia hit back fast
The lead lasted only seven minutes. Adam Karabec pulled the hosts level and brought the stands back to life, a reminder that Czechia would not give up points at home easily.
77': Pašalić decides it
Just when a draw looked the likeliest outcome, Marco Pašalić scored the winner 13 minutes from time. That is the night's most important message: Croatia no longer live on Modrić's legacy alone. A new generation is learning how to finish games.
Reading the result
Croatia won, but they also showed a clear weakness. They conceded quickly after going ahead, and that needs fixing before tougher opponents in the group. Czechia lost despite a decent performance and paid for lacking a finishing touch when it counted.
Croatia start with three points. Czechia start with a question. And Modrić keeps putting off his farewell, one match at a time.
Dr. Talal Othman, General Manager — GCC Sport
