Croatia begin their UEFA Nations League campaign in Prague on 26 September, with Luka Modric again at the centre of a side looking to underline its status among Europe’s most difficult international opponents. The match against the Czech Republic kicks off at 20:45 at the Fortuna Arena.
Quick facts
- Competition: UEFA Nations League
- Venue: Fortuna Arena, Prague
- Date and kick-off: 26 September, 20:45
- Referee: Simone Sozza
- Croatia captain Luka Modric starts alongside Mateo Kovacic.
- Adam Hlozek leads the Czech attacking line.
The hosts want an immediate statement on home soil despite being viewed as the least favoured team in the group. Their route to a strong opening night rests heavily on Hlozek, named as the focal point of the Czech attack.
Vladimir Coufal also carries major importance down the right. Usually known for covering the flank as a wing-back, he is set to operate at full-back, where his forward runs and deliveries into the penalty area remain a key Czech weapon.
Croatia arrive with Modric still indispensable after so many years at club and international level. His task will again be to set the rhythm, link the lines and supply a forward unit featuring Franjo Ivanovic and Igor Matanovic.
Josko Gvardiol starts in defence, with Ivan Perisic on the left, while Modric and Kovacic form the midfield base. Luka Sucic and Petar Sucic are both included in the advanced midfield positions.
The Czech Republic start with Matej Hornicek in goal; Coufal, Robin Hranac, Stepan Chaloupek and Dominik Slama in defence; Michal Cerv, Pavel Sulc and Michal Sadilek across midfield; and Adam Karabec, Hlozek and Jakub Ambros in attack.
Croatia’s starting side is Dominik Livakovic; Josip Stanisic, Luka Vuskovic, Gvardiol and Perisic; Modric and Kovacic; the two Sucics and Ivanovic; with Matanovic leading the line.
The Czech options include Matej Kovar, Antonin Kinsky, Filip Kricfalusi, Jan Zmrzly, Jan Subert, Vasil Sejk, Martin Vitik, Michal Bucha, Tomas Radosta, Daniel Macek, Alex Kral and Michal Sacek.
Croatia have Nikola Pandur, Dominik Kotarski, Hrvoje Smolcic, Josip Sutalo, Lovro Majer, Andrej Kramaric, Ante Budimir, Nikola Vlasic, Mario Pasalic, Dion Beljo, Marco Pasalic and Josip Misic available from the squad.
