Pašalić seals Croatia's 1-2 win at Czech Republic in 2026 Nations League

We reach the 90th minute of regulation time at the Fortuna Arena. The fourth official holds up the board to announce five minutes of added time. Dramatic injury time ahead in Prague as the Czech Republic throws everyone forward for an equalizer.

Tension settles slightly as we review the Pašalić goal that keeps Croatia ahead. As we enter the closing stages, the Czech Republic looks to threaten from set pieces, earning fouls and corner kicks to pump high balls directly into the penalty box.

End-to-end action now with high intensity at the Fortuna Arena. Midfield battle seems completely bypassed as both teams go directly on the attack. Rapid transitions, wide open spaces and thrilling moments in this final stretch of the match.

A swivel and shot from Rynes attempts to surprise the keeper from the edge of the box. Though under pressure and off target, the Czech Republic keeps fueled by their passionate home crowd and refuses to back down as they search for the winner.

Czech Republic gains massive confidence and takes control of the game in Prague. The home side pushes hard for a comeback, while we look back at the replay of Karabec's equalizer following his great effort inside the box to push the ball home.

We reach the hour mark with massive intensity in this second half in Prague. We are still marveling at that brilliant opener by Luka Modrić, a true masterpiece from the legendary midfielder showcasing his everlasting magic once again on the pitch.

Czech Republic looks to respond immediately after conceding. A high cross into the box leads to a dangerous shot as they try to use their aerial advantage. Very lively start to the second half with the home team pushing hard for a fast equalizer.

We reach the 45th minute of regulation time in Prague. Croatia earned a corner kick right at the end of the period, but the Czech defence cleared it comfortably. We head towards the break following a first half with very few chances on goal.

We enter the final stretch of the first half in Prague. Very few clear scoring chances in a tight and contested match. Croatia showed a bit more in attack without being clinical, while the Czech Republic focused on keeping tight defensive order.

We pass the half-hour mark in Prague with Croatia looking clearly superior on the pitch. However, the Czech Republic holds firm at the back waiting for a chance to respond. The visitors control the tempo while the home team looks for a quick answer.

Powerful strike by Sučić goes just wide of the target. That was the best chance of the match so far for Croatia as they start to pile on the pressure. A serious warning for the Czech Republic as the visitors take full control of the game.

Croatia is slowly taking control of possession and dictating the tempo now. The visitors are pushing forward and showing true attacking intent. The Czech Republic has dropped a few yards deeper to handle this initial spell of Croatian pressure.

First corner kick of the match goes to Croatia. Luka Modrić stands over the ball ready to cross it in. Big aerial battle shaping up now with huge players on both sides inside the box. Tight marking everywhere as everyone waits for the delivery.

The ball remains stuck in midfield as neither side wants to take early risks. Caution is the main theme in Prague right now with both teams avoiding mistakes. Czech Republic and Croatia move possession around slowly but nowhere near the penalty boxes.

A lot of tough tackling and very few ideas in these opening minutes in Prague. Czech Republic and Croatia are fighting for every single ball in the middle of the pitch. Both teams look cautious in this opener and neither can string together passes to build a real move.

We now begin our coverage with all the incidents, best plays and latest updates from the match between Czech Republic and Croatia. Stay tuned to VAVEL and follow the Minute-by-Minute coverage of the first matchday of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League.

The Czech Republic and Croatia National Team players are already carrying out their pre-match warm-ups on the pitch in Prague. Physical exercises and ball work mark the countdown to the start of the match.

Slaven Bilić will opt for a balanced team, with experience in midfield and different attacking options. Croatia will look to control the pace of the match and take advantage of the individual quality of their players.

Santi Denia will look for a team capable of controlling possession, applying high pressure and maintaining mobility in midfield. The hosts will try to create numerical advantages and find spaces against the Croatian defense.

Prague is ready to host this UEFA Nations League clash. Czech Republic will look to make home advantage count at the beginning of Santi Denia's tenure, while Croatia will try to use their experience to start the competition with a positive result.

Martin Baturina will be one of the key players to watch for the visitors. The young midfielder brings creativity, close-control ability and an eye for passes between the lines, making him one of Croatia's emerging attacking options.

Pavel Šulc will be one of the players to watch for the home side. With Schick and Souček unavailable, the attacking midfielder will have an important role in creating chances and generating danger. His ability to arrive in the box and shoot from distance could be decisive.

The team managed by Slaven Bilić has a core of players with extensive international experience. The continued presence of Luka Modrić, alongside players such as Mateo Kovačić and Joško Gvardiol, will be important as Croatia face this demanding start to the Nations League.

Santi Denia's team enters this match in the middle of a generational transition. The absence of Patrik Schick, who announced his international retirement, and the injury to Tomáš Souček mean the team will need to find new leaders.

Szymon Marciniak will be the main referee, assisted by Pawel Sokolnicki and Tomasz Listkiewicz. Tomasz Musiał will serve as the fourth official, while Tomasz Kwiatkowski will be in charge of VAR and Bartosz Frankowski will serve as the AVAR. The entire refereeing team is from Poland.

Czech Republic begin a new era under the management of Santi Denia, with the mission of rebuilding the team after their elimination in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. The hosts will look to take advantage of playing at home.

Croatia, managed by Slaven Bilić, maintain an experienced core and will look to make a strong start to a new edition of the Nations League, combining the experience of their established leaders with the talent of a new generation.