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Luka Modric overcame a fever to score and become Croatia’s oldest-ever goalscorer as his side began their UEFA Nations League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Czechia in Prague on Saturday.
Modric, who missed Croatia’s pre-match press conference because of illness, opened the scoring in the 47th minute with a right-footed strike from outside the box.
The goal was his 30th for Croatia and came at the age of 41, adding another milestone to the veteran midfielder’s remarkable international career.
Czechia responded seven minutes later when Adam Karabec levelled the score.
Croatia restored their lead in the 77th minute, shortly after Modric had been substituted, when Marco Pasalic headed home an Ivan Perisic cross.
The hosts thought they had found a late equaliser, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Modric was given a warm ovation by the Prague crowd when he left the field in the 76th minute.
The midfielder is already Croatia’s most-capped player, having made more than 200 international appearances. He also holds the record as the oldest goalscorer in European Championship history after scoring against Italy at Euro 2024 at the age of 38 years and 289 days.
His latest goal further underlined his longevity at international level, coming more than two decades after he made his Croatia debut.
Croatia will next face reigning world champions Spain in Seville on September 29.
