Modrić becomes Croatia's oldest scorer in 2-1 win over Czech Republic

Luka Modrić became the oldest scorer in Croatia's history when he put the visitors ahead in a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in Prague. He was 41 years and 18 days old, and it was his 30th goal for the national team in his 203rd appearance.

The record was already his. He set the previous mark against Slovenia 112 days earlier.

All three goals in the Nations League group opener at Fortuna Arena on 26 September came after the break. Modrić scored on 47 minutes, Adam Karabec levelled on 54, and Marco Pasalic won it on 77. Two minutes later a goal by the Czech midfielder Matej Radosta was ruled out by VAR for offside. Croatia had 56% of the ball and 5 shots on target to the Czechs' 2. The referee was Simone Sozza of Italy.

Modrić spoke afterwards to Sport HRT, which was quoted by Euro-Football.ru.

"An important win. We wanted to give it to our head coach. We had many excellent moments and could have led by several goals, but we fell apart a little, after which a seesaw started on the pitch. In the end it is good that it all finished like this. We need to think about the next games," Modrić said.

The federation confirmed on 5 September that Modrić would stay with the squad for the fixtures against the Czech Republic, Spain and England. One of the three is done. Croatia visit Spain on 29 September, with kick-off at 21:45 Moscow time. The Czech Republic host England the same day. All four sides are in Group 3 of League A.

If Croatia can take something from Spain, the opening three points would leave them well placed in a group that also holds England. Modrić has now scored twice in the space of 112 days at 41, so the goals have not dried up. Whether they keep coming in the same fixtures is what the next two games will show.

Our match analysis of Czech Republic v Croatia covers the game in more detail.