Croatia Draws 1-1 With Czech Republic in Bilić Return

Croatia opened their Nations League Group 3 campaign with a 1-1 draw away to the Czech Republic on Friday, marking Slavko Bilić's first match back as head coach. Luka Modrić gave the visitors a 49th-minute lead with a long-range strike after Croatia controlled the first half with 61 percent possession and nine shots.

The Czech Republic levelled through Tomáš Karabec, who finished a low cross from Adam Hložek at the far post. Croatia pushed for a winner and thought they had scored through Mario Pašalić, but the goal was ruled out for offside against Hložek in the build-up.

“Bilo je u planu da Baturina krene od prve minute.”

Bilić handed a first start to Luka Sučić, who operated as a right-sided midfielder, while Ivanović and Matanović led the attack. Assistant coach Danilo Butorović said the Sučić selection was planned after the team assessed the situation in training.

The hosts created danger mainly through Vladimír Coufal's long throws and Hložek's movement on the wings. Czech goalkeeper Horníček made a key save to deny Matanović's acrobatic effort, while Radosta missed a clear chance from close range.

Croatia introduced Pašalić, Budimir and Mišić in a triple substitution but could not break down a compact Czech defence. The result leaves both teams with one point ahead of the next round of fixtures.