Czech team faces Croatia in UEFA Nations League with Horníček and Krejčí

The Czech national football team opens its UEFA Nations League campaign against Croatia under newly appointed head coach Denia, facing an immediate personnel crisis with seven forced roster withdrawals and a heavily reshaped starting lineup. Kickoff is scheduled at Eden Arena in Prague, where Italian referee Simone Sozza will officiate the opening fixture of a group that also features England and Spain.

Denia Faces Baptism of Fire Against Croatia

Denia took charge less than two months ago following a difficult summer campaign at the World Cup, where the Czech side failed to advance past the initial group stage. That tournament exit triggered significant roster turnover, including the departure of veteran forward Patrik Schick. Compounding those structural changes, the coaching staff had to process seven separate withdrawal requests due to medical reasons in the days leading up to Friday’s squad announcement.

Midfield Focus on Immediate Opportunity

“We feel that this match is our biggest chance,” midfielder Ondřej Lingr said regarding the opening test against Croatia.

Youth and Debutants Shape New Formation

The resulting lineup features three debutants and a new look across multiple positions. In goal, Newcastle’s Lukáš Horníček earns the start.

Krejčí Absence Highlights Transition Phase

The absence of Ladislav Krejčí stands out as one of the most notable selection talking points. The defender is missing entirely from the roster and is not even listed among the substitutes for the Eden Arena clash.

“We know a long road is ahead of us,” Krejčí noted earlier about the team’s transition phase. “Not everything can change from the first day, the first gathering, the first match. It is a long-term concept. I hope the trust will be sufficient to give us space.”

Croatia Arrives in Prague Under New Leadership

Croatia arrives in Prague under its own new leadership. Slaven Bilić took over the managerial reins from Zlatko Dalić after the team in the red-and-white checkered shirts exited the summer World Cup in the first round of the playoff phase against Portugal. Despite the transition, Croatia’s squad still includes veteran midfielder Luka Modrić.

Czech team faces Croatia in UEFA Nations League with Horníček and Krejčí — Photo: sport.cz

Following the opening fixture in Prague, the Czech squad faces a demanding schedule in a group that tests the depth of Denia’s long-term project against some of Europe’s premier footballing nations.