Modric Scores as Croatia Beat Czech Republic in Bilic’s Return
Luka Modric marked Slaven Bilic’s return as Croatia coach with a goal in Saturday’s win over the Czech Republic, but the captain warned that the side must quickly fix its loss of control before facing Spain.
Modric delivers on Bilic’s return
The 41-year-old midfielder gave Bilic an immediate winning start to his second spell in charge of Croatia. It also revived a striking personal connection between captain and coach: Modric had scored in Bilic’s first match at the helm in 2006, when Croatia beat Italy 2-0 in Livorno.
Modric said he was pleased to repeat that feat on Bilic’s comeback, although the result mattered far more than his own contribution. Croatia began their new era with three points, giving the returning manager an encouraging platform.
Control vanished after Czech equaliser
Croatia were on top before the Czech Republic made it 1-1. Modric felt his team created enough chances to have established a two- or three-goal cushion, only for the equaliser to trigger a breakdown in their structure.
Instead of managing the match from a position of strength, Croatia allowed it to become an open, end-to-end contest. Modric said that type of game does not suit his side and cannot become a habit, particularly when they hold the lead.
- Croatia started strongly and produced several scoring opportunities.
- Modric scored as Bilic began his new spell in the dugout.
- The Czech Republic levelled at 1-1, changing the rhythm of the contest.
- Croatia lost compactness but recovered to secure the victory.
- Attention now turns to a demanding meeting with Spain.
Bilic’s demands are starting to take shape
Modric believes the early signs under Bilic are positive, while stressing that the squad is only at the beginning of the adjustment. A change of coach has brought added energy as players compete to show their value, he said, but the tactical work will need time.
Winning makes that transition easier. Croatia’s immediate task is to repeat what worked against the Czechs and reduce the flaws that surfaced after conceding, with Spain next on the schedule.
New defenders can raise Croatia’s passing level
Croatia’s evolving squad includes experienced leaders alongside younger figures such as Josko Gvardiol and Luka Vuskovic. Their ability on the ball offers Bilic the option of building attacks more cleanly from deep areas and allowing midfield players to operate further forward.
But Modric identified defensive compactness as the urgent concern. He said Croatia too often become unsettled after conceding and leave spaces that stronger opponents will punish. Against one of the world’s leading teams in Spain, that margin for error will be smaller.
Key takeaways
- Modric scored in Croatia’s first win since Bilic returned as coach.
- He also scored in Bilic’s original managerial debut against Italy in 2006.
- Croatia controlled the early stages but struggled after the Czech equaliser.
- Bilic’s system is still being developed, despite an encouraging start.
- Maintaining shape and limiting space will be crucial against Spain.
