Evergreen Modric fires as Croatia beats Czechia
Croatia gave new manager Slaven Bilic a 2-1 victory over Czechia as evergreen captain Luka Modric once again proved influential before Marco Pasalic struck the decisive goal.
The 41-year-old Modric, still the heartbeat of the Croatia side more than two decades after his international debut, put the visitors ahead two minutes after the break.
Czechia responded through Adam Karabec in the 54th minute, but Pasalic restored Croatia's advantage with 13 minutes remaining to secure all three points.
The game marked a new start for both sides.
Bilic is back in charge of Croatia after Zlatko Dalic's departure after its defeat to Portugal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 stage, while Spaniard Santi Denia was appointed the Czechia's boss after its group stage exit.
Luka Modrić
Croatia
