Match Centre

Croatia's 2-1 victory was deserved on balance, translating 56% possession into a dominant 16 shots (12 inside the box) compared to Czechia's mere 5 attempts. Though both teams were clinical with their limited clear chances – Croatia converting 2 of 5 shots on target, Czechia 1 of 2 – the visitors' superior buildup (489 accurate passes to 380) and territorial advantage (6 corners to 1) created the platform for victory.

The game turned on two moments: Luka Modrić's opener just after halftime (47') assisted by Igor Matanović, and Marco Pašalić's winner (77') from Ivan Perišić's delivery. Czechia's disallowed 79th-minute goal by Matej Radosta (VAR) summed up their frustration in a match where they managed only 44% possession and 4 shots inside the box. Croatia's 4-2-3-1 exploited wide areas, with Perišić creating 2 chances and Modrić dictating tempo (93% pass accuracy).

The decisive stat: Croatia's 16 total shots to Czechia's 5 – a 3.2x disparity reflecting their control of attacking phases.