Prague (AFP) – The Croatian and Czech national teams continued their fierce competition for first place in Group 12 after a goalless draw in Prague during the European qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Croatia maintained the lead with 13 points, ahead of the Czech Republic on goal difference, having played one match less, and four points ahead of the Faroe Islands, who are third after a 4-0 win over Montenegro, with three rounds remaining in the qualifiers.

Croatia extended their unbeaten streak to five matches (including four wins), and 14 consecutive World Cup qualifying matches without defeat (11 wins and 3 draws).

They also maintained their dominance over the Czech Republic, having never lost in their six historical encounters (winning two).

Zlatko Dalić led his 100th match as head coach of the Croatian national team.

On the pitch, the match was balanced between both sides, with a slight advantage for the visitors who entered the game without notable absences, including the participation of veteran captain Luka Modrić, while Patrick Schick, Bayer Leverkusen’s striker, was the most notable absentee for the Czech Republic.

The Croatian team struggled to create real chances on the opponent’s side, with Ivan Perišić missing two golden opportunities to open the scoring, shooting twice over the crossbar from close range.

The home team continued to press after the break, with Tomáš Kóňa failing to capitalize on a corner from Vasil Kosi, while Pavel Šulc fired a long-range shot wide, and Modrić, AC Milan’s star, nearly snatched the win for Croatia with a powerful long-distance shot brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Ladislav Krejčí.

In the other match, the Faroe Islands defeated Montenegro 4-0 with goals from Hanus Sørensen (16, 55) and Arne Frederiksberg (36, 71, penalty).

The group also includes Gibraltar, which has yet to earn any points from five matches.