Islamabad, June 10, 2025: In Croatia vs Czechia, Croatia secured a convincing victory over group leaders Czechia, making five goals, just days after scoring seven against Gibraltar. Zlatko Dalic’s men now sit in second spot with an impressive goal difference of +11.
Dalic lined up in a 4-2-3-1 with Luka Modric and Petar Sucic starting in the double pivot. Josko Gvardiol started as the left-back and Ante Budimir led the line. The game also saw the debut for 18-year-old defender Luka Vuskovic, who wasn’t even born when Modric made his international debut.
Croatia took control early on and even made the first goal within the first quarter of an hour, before it was ruled out. Throughout the match, they created six clear-cut scoring opportunities, with 11 of their 18 shots hitting the target. They also managed 36 touches inside the Czech penalty area.
The breakthrough finally came in the 42nd minute of Croatia vs Czechia via Andrej Kramaric. Czechia managed to level the score after the break through Tomas Soucek, who struck from a corner. However, Croatia responded swiftly — regaining the lead just four minutes later.
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Modric, heavily involved throughout, coolly slotted home a penalty in the 62nd minute, wrong-footing the goalkeeper. He then turned provider in the 75th minute, delivering a pinpoint set-piece assist for Croatia’s fifth.
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The Real Madrid skipper, who holds six UEFA Champions League titles, showcased his class once again — completing 70 out of 77 passes, firing four shots, and recovering possession four times in his 80-minute outing. It was yet another complete performance, emblematic of the enduring brilliance he’s brought to the international stage.
