Modric shines as Croatia beat Czech Republic

Croatia captain Luka Modric showed no signs of slowing down even at 41, as the midfielder helped his side beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in a Group A3 game in Prague in the UEFA Nations League today. 

Modric, still the heartbeat of the Croatia side more than two decades after his international debut, put the visitors ahead two minutes after the break to give new manager Slaven Bilic a winning start. 

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The Czechs responded through Adam Karabec in the 54th minute but Pasalic restored Croatia's advantage with 13 minutes remaining to secure all three points.

The game marked a new start for both sides.

Bilic is back in charge of Croatia after Zlatko Dalic's departure following their round-of-32 World Cup defeat by Portugal, while Spaniard Santi Denia was appointed the Czechs' boss after their group-stage exit.

Scotland began life under Sebastien Pocognoli with a 0-0 draw away to Slovenia in Group B1, offering glimpses of the more attacking style the Belgian hopes to implement following manager Steve Clarke's departure after Scotland's World Cup exit.

Oli McBurnie, back in theScotland fold after a five-year absence, had some of the best chances but a string of brilliant saves from Jan Oblak had the Scots settling for a point.

Switzerland made an impressive start to their first League B campaign, with Remo Freuler opening the scoring and Zeki Amdouni netting the first of his two goals before halftime en route to a 3-0 win away to North Macedonia.

Finland's Joel Pohjanpalo scored a hat-trick to help his country to a 7-0 thrashing of San Marino in Group C1.