Croatia Open Nations League Campaign With 2-1 Win Over Czech Republic

Croatia opened their latest UEFA Nations League campaign with a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in Prague on Saturday night.

The win gave coach Slaven Bilić a winning start to his second stint in charge of the national team.

“I want to congratulate my players on their effort, their focus and all the other positive things they showed today,” Bilić said after the match. “I’d also like to congratulate the Czechs. They’re not on our level — we have more talent — but they attack the goal well and they’re very aggressive. They’re quick in transition too, but we knew that coming into the game.”

Captain Luka Modrić also welcomed the result, saying it was important to start the campaign with a victory.

“It was an important win,” Modrić said. “It’s always important to start off on the right foot, and getting a win for our new ‘old’ coach makes it even better.

“It’s nice to score again, and I’m happy. If I remember correctly, I also scored in Bilić’s first game during his first stint as coach. He’s back, and I’ve scored again, so I’m happy.”

Marco Pašalić, 26, who scored Croatia’s second goal in the 77th minute, said he was pleased to help the team secure all three points.

“It was a tough game. As I said, the Czechs are a good team. The whole team can be proud of what we achieved today, and I’m proud of my own performance as well,” said Pašalić, who plays for Orlando City in Major League Soccer.

Croatia’s next challenge comes on Tuesday, when they face reigning world champions Spain in Seville.

Croatia are competing in the elite group alongside England, Spain and the Czech Republic.