An opportunist second-half goal from Mario Pasalic gave Croatia a 1-0 away win in Denmark in their Nations League Group A1 on Friday as playmaker Luka Modric came off the bench to turn the game around for the visitors.

It marked the first time the Danes dropped points in the current competition but the Croatians deserved the victory after a solid defensive performance and some moments of Modric magic.

The introduction of Modric as a half-time substitute changed things for the better for the visitors, and the midfielder began dictating the play, forcing a fine save from Kasper Schmeichel just after the hour mark.

Danish defender Joachim Andersen’s reckless tackle saw Croatia win a free-kick minutes later.

Modric’s effort was deflected behind and from the resulting corner, again taken by Modric, Pasalic slotted the ball between Schmeichel’s legs to score in the 69th minute.

Denmark still lead the group with six points from three games.

Mbappe, the saviour

Kylian Mbappe struck a late equaliser to help holders France salvage a 1-1 away draw against Austria as they kept alive their slim hopes of reaching the final four of the Nations League on Friday.

Mbappe found the net with a shot into the top corner seven minutes from time to cancel out Andreas Weimann’s first-half opener.

The world champions are bottom of Group 1 with two points from three games, four behind leaders Denmark.

Second-placed Austria and third-placed Croatia have four points each.

Mbappe had a great opportunity to give Les Bleus all three points with three minutes left, only for his attempt to rattle the crossbar. France began well, but Austria struck first, in the 37th minute, when Weimann tapped in from close range from Konrad Laimer’s cross.