The CroatianSports.com Recommended Starting XI For Bilić vs. Czechia

Croatia end their 2026/2027 Nations League group stage tomorrow in Osijek vs. Czechia as Slaven Bilić’s men look to confirm 3rd place and Pot 1 for EURO 2028 qualifying. Here’s our recommended starting XI.

Defence: Stick With The Back Three For This Match

It’s obvious that Hajduk’s duo of Hrgović and Šotiček weren’t trusted by Bilić to replace the suspended Perišić at Wembley, where we saw Nikola Vlašić play in a left wing-back role for the first and only time. He struggled a lot defensively, but offered himself out wide on the left side or switched positions with Baturina when we had the ball. So, judging by that, I say we stick with the back three of Gvardiol, Vušković and Stanišić, which probably suits all their playing styles nicely. All three are comfortable on the ball, which was a big factor when we controlled the game in a few spells in England. The only issue is Gvardiol’s defensive form.

For the wing backs, Perišić and Marco Pašalić are the picks. Ivan will bomb forward when we get the ball, waiting for his chance by the touchline; same for Mario on the right side as we look to progress the ball through our back three and the pivot of Modrić and Petar Sučić. Now the downside is obviously that we will be vulnerable on the wings, but we will be looking for a win to end this shocking group on a positive note.

Midfield: Modrić Back In, Drop Kova

The positions Petar Sučić has played under Bilić give me very little hope that he will actually play deeper, but one can hope that we put a more natural attack-minded midfielder where the Inter player is being positioned by the new coach and staff. We will have to dominate possession as we did in the first half in our opening match of this Nations League campaign, and I’m sure we’ll accomplish that with the back three and this midfield quite easily. I’m also not opposed to Kovačić starting, but it has to be in place of either Modrić or Sučić, because the way Bilić uses those three is infuriating. Sučić being the more advanced one makes little sense when you see the options we have on the bench, and the fact that he isn’t a great dribbler means he has to pass the ball back or try something with a small chance of working.

Sučić makes the perfect company for Modrić or Kova, covering a lot of space and also being able to progress the ball, which suits our style of play. As for the two behind Beljo, I go for Baturina and Vlašić. Baturina is pretty self-explanatory, with his dribbling and vision. As for Vlašić, it’s a toss-up between him and Majer, who can and should probably feature more given his form for AEK Athens. But my verdict is to give Vlašić up to 60-65 minutes and then get Majer on. Vlašić starting also gives us a good physical presence who can shield the ball and create space for Mario Pašalić or Beljo to run into. His goal threat is also higher than Majer’s.

Attack: Beljo

Dion Drena Beljo is the only striker who’s in form and also didn’t play at Wembley at all, so it seems set he’ll start, and Budimir seems like he’ll only play when we need a goal, when Beljo or Matanović start.