KLIK SAJA - Croatia and the Czech Republic, the two standout teams in Group L, are set to face off on Monday evening at the Opus Arena in what promises to be a crucial UEFA qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The hosts, Croatia, kicked off their campaign in emphatic fashion with a 7-0 demolition of Gibraltar.
Meanwhile, the Czech Republic are in perfect form, having secured three wins from their opening three matches.
Croatia officially joined UEFA in June 1993, just three months after the qualification for the 1994 World Cup had already begun, meaning they were unable to participate in that edition.
Their first qualifying campaign came for Euro 1996, where they reached the quarter-finals — and since then, they've qualified for 14 out of 16 major tournaments.
Under the leadership of Zlatko Dalić since October 2017, the Vatreni have enjoyed tremendous success, finishing as runners-up at the 2018 World Cup and claiming third place in Qatar 2022.
Now widely recognized as a powerhouse of European and world football, Croatia once again enter as favorites to top Group L.
A victory over their strongest rivals on Monday would greatly boost their chances of automatic qualification.
That dominant win over Gibraltar has given Croatia a surge of confidence heading into this matchup. Historically, they’ve held the upper hand over the Czechs, remaining unbeaten in their last three meetings (two draws and one win).
However, the Czech Republic enter this fixture in even better form.
The Bohemian Warriors are currently unbeaten in their last eight matches, with six wins and two draws.
Croatia, by contrast, have registered two wins, two draws, and two losses in their last six games.
The Czech Republic’s impressive form in qualifying includes wins over the Faroe Islands (2-1), Gibraltar (4-0), and Montenegro (2-0), which puts them at the top of Group L with nine points.
They are aiming to return to the World Cup for the first time since their group-stage exit in 2006.
