Newcastle Keeper Lukas Hornićek Faced Defeat Against Croatia With Czechia

Newcastle United goalkeeper Lukáš Horníček was unable to celebrate another international appearance with victory after Czechia suffered a 2-1 defeat to Croatia in their UEFA Nations League opener at the Fortuna Arena.

Horníček was named in the Czechia starting XI for the League A encounter, continuing his rapid rise at both club and international level since completing his move to Newcastle United from SC Braga this summer. The 24-year-old was selected ahead of fellow goalkeepers Matej Kovář and Antonín Kinský as Czechia began a new Nations League campaign. 

The Newcastle goalkeeper had the difficult task of facing an experienced Croatia side containing several high-profile players, including Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić and Josko Gvardiol. The opening half ended goalless, with both teams struggling to create clear opportunities during a cagey opening period. 

Croatia eventually broke the deadlock shortly after half-time when Modrić found the net, giving the visitors the lead and putting Czechia on the back foot.

Czechia responded strongly, however, and managed to level the contest through Adam Karabec in the 54th minute. The equaliser gave the home side renewed momentum and raised hopes of securing a positive result in front of their supporters.

Those hopes were ultimately ended when Marco Pašalić restored Croatia’s advantage in the 77th minute. Czechia were unable to find another equaliser during the closing stages, with Croatia holding on for a 2-1 victory. 

For Horníček, the result represents another valuable experience at senior international level. The Newcastle goalkeeper has only recently established himself as a regular international option, having earned his first senior Czechia cap earlier this year after impressing during his time with Braga. 

His move to Newcastle has added another significant chapter to his development. Newcastle confirmed the signing of Horníček from Braga on a five-year contract, with the goalkeeper arriving after playing a key role in Braga’s run to the Europa League semi-finals and helping the Portuguese club finish fourth domestically last season. He also recorded 12 clean sheets during that campaign. 

Horníček has subsequently been entrusted with the Newcastle number-one position under head coach Matthias Jaissle. His performances during the early stages of the campaign have already given him important experience of English football, while his international involvement provides another opportunity to develop his confidence and experience against high-level opposition.

Despite the disappointment of losing to Croatia, Horníček’s starting role is significant for Newcastle. The Magpies have invested heavily in the Czech goalkeeper as part of the changes made to their squad during the summer, and regular international football can only add to his experience.

Czechia will now turn their attention to their next Nations League fixtures, with further opportunities for Horníček to add to his international appearances. UEFA lists him as Czechia’s number 16 and Newcastle’s goalkeeper, underlining his growing importance at both club and country level. 

For Newcastle supporters, the main positive will be seeing their new goalkeeper continue to gain senior international experience. While the 2-1 defeat to Croatia was not the result Horníček or Czechia wanted, another competitive international appearance represents another step in what has already been a significant few months for the Newcastle number one.