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Preview Croatia vs Czech Republic: A Clash of Group L Heavyweights in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers

Minggu, 8 Juni 2025 | 10:17 WIB
Croatia Vs Czech Republic (shutterstock)

While World Cup qualification has eluded them in recent years, the Czech Republic have consistently qualified for the European Championship since becoming an independent nation in 1996.

They hope to carry that success into their final five Group L matches and book their ticket to the world stage.

Croatia will likely stick with many of the players who starred in the Gibraltar rout. Luka Modrić, who came off the bench in that game, is expected to start in midfield alongside Lovro Majer, with Mario Pašalić pushing forward.

Striker Ante Budimir — fresh from a 24-goal season with Osasuna and a goal in his last outing — is set to lead the line.

As for the Czech Republic, prolific forward Patrik Schick has already netted four goals in three qualifiers and will spearhead the attack once again.

Adam Hložek remains doubtful after picking up an injury early in their win over Montenegro, which could open the door for Lukáš Provod to step into the starting XI.

Predicted Croatia Starting XI:
Livaković; Stanišić, Ćaleta-Car, Šutalo, Gvardiol; Modrić, Majer; Baturina, Pašalić, Perišić; Budimir

Predicted Czech Republic Starting XI:
Kovář; Coufal, Holeš, Krejčí, Zelený; Souček, Červ; Černý, Šulc, Provod; Schick

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