Spain Continues Unbeaten Streak... Croatia Defeats Czech Republic

Spain’s national team, the world champions, extended their unbeaten run to 39 matches with a 3-2 victory over England at Wembley Stadium, while veteran Luka Modric scored as Croatia defeated hosts Czechia 2-1 in the opening round of Group 3 in the UEFA Nations League football tournament.

Croatia shares the group lead with Spain, with Spain holding the advantage on goal difference, while Czechia sits at the bottom without any points, trailing third-placed England on goal difference.

Spain will host Croatia tomorrow, Tuesday, in Seville, while England travels to Czechia in the second round of matches.

In the first match, Spain’s goals were scored by Lamine Yamal (two), and substitutes Alex Baena (60th minute) and Mikel Oyarzabal (74th minute). England’s goals came from Anthony Gordon (36th minute) and captain Harry Kane (40th minute), who missed a penalty in the second half.

This was the 39th consecutive unbeaten match for the world champions under manager Luis de la Fuente, specifically since a 1-0 friendly win against Colombia on March 22, 2024, marking a span of three and a half years and setting a European record.

In the second match, veteran captain Modric (41) gave Croatia the lead early in the second half following an assist from Freiburg striker Igor Matanovic (47th minute). However, Czechia equalized seven minutes later through Adam Karabec, assisted by Adam Hlousek (54th minute). Mario Pasalic scored the winning goal in the 77th minute, assisted by another veteran, Eintracht Frankfurt winger Ivan Perisic.

This was Croatia’s first victory under their new coach, Slaven Bilic, who succeeded Zlatko Dalic, who resigned after Croatia’s exit in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup to Portugal.

In Group 1, Belgium plays France today, and Turkey faces Italy, in the second round of the competition.