by croatiaweek
October 9, 2025
in
Ivan Perišić (Screenshot)
Croatia were held to a goalless draw by Czechia on Thursday night in their World Cup qualifying clash at Fortuna Arena in Prague.
It was a cagey encounter in Group L, with the hosts having the better of the first half. Czechia looked sharper and more aggressive, pressing high up the pitch and denying Croatia the space to build quick counter-attacks.
Croatia, meanwhile, struggled to find rhythm early on. Their play lacked urgency and invention in midfield, and clear chances were few and far between before the break.
As the match wore on, Zlatko Dalić’s side began to grow into the game. The attacks became more threatening as the second half went on, with the likes of Luka Modrić starting to find gaps between the lines.
However, despite a more promising second-half display, neither side could find the breakthrough.
The match was Dalić’s 100th in charge of Croatia.
The draw leaves Croatia still at the top of Group L, level on 13 points with Czechia but ahead on goal difference — and with a game in hand. Group winners book an automatic spot in the World Cup.
Next up for Croatia is a home tie against Gibraltar on Sunday, where Dalić’s men will look take a step closer to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
🇨🇿🤝🇭🇷 #CZECRO
🎁 @ceskarepre_cz #WCQ #Vatreni❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/ulVYSeuKKq
— HNS (@HNS_CFF) October 9, 2025