Luka Modrić told Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport after the final whistle, È difficile trovare una spiegazione per una prestazione del genere senza falli, aggressività, spirito di squadra. Sono qui da vent’anni, e per la prima volta mi vergogno dopo una partita.
Croatia suffered the heaviest defeat in its national team history, dropping a 7-0 UEFA Nations League match to England in Rijeka.
Thomas Tuchel Orchestrates Record-Breaking Four-Goal First Half in Rijeka
England manager Thomas Tuchel watched his side dismantle the hosts before halftime, building a commanding four-goal lead through an inspired performance by Jude Bellingham. According to official match reports, Bellingham delivered the opening assist for Harry Kane in the 8th minute, found the net himself in the 21st minute following an assist from Anthony Gordon, and supplied the cross from the left for Bukayo Saka to score just before the interval. Gordon also contributed a header from a Jarell Quansah cross to cap the opening period.
Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka Seal Second-Half Routs with Braces
The visiting side maintained offensive pressure after the break, extending the margin through clinical finishing. Kane scored his second of the match from close range in the 53rd minute following a fluid passing sequence orchestrated by Elliot Anderson. Saka added his second goal in the 68th minute with a powerful strike into the top corner past goalkeeper Dominik Livaković, before substitute Morgan Rogers rounded off the scoring by rounding the goalkeeper, as detailed by ANSA.
Strict Stadium Restrictions Permit Only Young Spectators in Rijeka
The fixture at the coastal venue took place under unusual atmospheric conditions due to disciplinary measures that mandated a closed-doors match. Regulations allowed the Croatian federation to admit approximately 6,000 young children alongside roughly one hundred visiting supporters, creating an arena filled predominantly with school-age spectators who witnessed the record defeat.
Spain Defeats Czechia 3-1 to Maintain Group Leadership
In the same League A group, reigning world champions Spain secured a 3-1 victory against Czechia to maintain a maximum points tally at the top of the standings. Luis de la Fuente’s side established a two-goal lead in the first half through a curling left-footed strike from Lamine Yamal and a subsequent goal from Rodri. Although Slama narrowed the deficit after the break and Czechia applied heavy pressure, Mikel Merino sealed the result with a late counterattacking goal after Krejci received a red card for the visitors.
Luka Modrić Reflects on Historic Humiliation and Domestic Standing
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport following the match, Modrić admitted that the result ruined the reputation built by the national squad over the years. The veteran midfielder noted that the team appeared to be playing with four or five fewer men on the pitch. The loss compounds a difficult period following Milan’s domestic struggles and Croatia’s round-of-16 exit at the recent World Cup, though manager Amorim plans to carefully manage his playing time across upcoming Serie A and European fixtures.
Next Fixtures in the UEFA Nations League Group Stage
England returns to Wembley Stadium on Tuesday to host Czechia in the final fixture of the current international window. Meanwhile, Croatia prepares to face Spain next week as both national teams continue their campaigns to secure top-two finishes and qualification for the Nations League quarterfinals scheduled for March.
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