Luka Modrić rolled back the years on Saturday as the 41-year-old midfielder scored in Croatia’s 2-1 victory over Czechia in their UEFA Nations League opener at the Fortuna Arena in Prague.
The Croatia captain struck shortly after half-time before Adam Karabec restored parity for the hosts. Marco Pašalić then headed Croatia back in front in the 77th minute to secure three points for Slaven Bilić on his return to the national team dugout after 14 years.
The victory also saw Modrić set another milestone in an already decorated international career. His goal made him Croatia’s oldest-ever goalscorer at the age of 41.
The match was goalless at the interval, although Croatia created several promising opportunities. The visitors eventually broke the deadlock two minutes after the restart when Igor Matanović won possession and found Modrić near the edge of the penalty area.
Modrić controlled the ball before sending a right-footed effort into the far corner to give Croatia a 1-0 advantage in the 47th minute.
Czechia responded quickly. Seven minutes after Modrić’s opener, Adam Hložek provided the pass for Karabec, who finished calmly to bring the home side level at 1-1.
Croatia continued to search for another opening and eventually found it through two experienced players. Ivan Perišić delivered a cross from the left in the 77th minute, with substitute Marco Pašalić rising to head the ball beyond goalkeeper Lukáš Horníček.
The hosts appeared to have rescued another point late in the match when they found the net again, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review for offside.
Croatia held on to begin their Group A3 campaign with three points, while the defeat ended Czechia’s run of 19 consecutive home matches without a loss, according to match reports.
For Bilić, the result marked a successful return to the Croatian bench. His first spell as national coach ran from 2006 to 2012, a period that coincided with the emergence of a young Modrić as one of the country’s leading midfielders.
Fourteen years later, the same player remains central to Croatia’s plans and has added another record to his name.
Modrić had already become the oldest scorer in European Championship history when he scored against Italy at Euro 2024 at 38 years and 289 days. His latest goal has now extended that record-breaking longevity to the international stage.
Croatia will next face Spain in Seville on Tuesday, September 29, in another Group A3 fixture. Czechia, meanwhile, will host England on the same day.
The Croatian victory gives Bilić a winning start to his second spell and places Modrić’s remarkable longevity at the centre of attention once again, as the veteran captain continues to contribute at the highest level of international football.
