Budimir strike secures crucial victory as Panama bow out and Modric marks 200th international appearance
Croatia kept their World Cup hopes alive on Tuesday with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama, a result that eliminated the Central American side from contention and revived the Europeans’ push for a place in the last 32.
Ante Budimir scored the decisive goal in the 54th minute in Toronto, giving Croatia their first points of Group L after they opened the tournament with a 4-2 defeat to England. Meanwhile, Panama’s second loss in as many matches ended their campaign, although coach Thomas Christiansen praised his side’s effort and said the experience would help his players grow.
The match also marked a major milestone for Croatia captain Luka Modric, who made his 200th international appearance for his country.
Budimir goal proves enough after Panama threaten early
Panama began brightly and nearly took the lead in the first half when Jose Luis Rodriguez guided a header toward goal, only for Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic to tip the effort onto the bar.
However, Croatia returned stronger after the break and found the breakthrough when Budimir tapped in from close range after Josip Stanisic delivered a cross into the box. The goal sparked loud celebrations among the Croatian-heavy crowd of 43,000.
Croatia nearly doubled the lead moments later when Modric played Marco Pasalic through on goal, but Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera made the save before Pasalic sent the rebound over the bar.
Panama fight hard as Modric reaches landmark appearance
Panama continued to press for an equaliser, but Croatia’s defence held firm and denied them a way back into the contest. The result extended Panama’s wait for a World Cup goal and confirmed their exit from the tournament ahead of their final group game against England on Friday.
Croatia, now on three points, will face Ghana in a decisive final group match for a place in the knockout stage.
After the match, Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic paid tribute to Modric, describing the veteran midfielder as a humble and natural leader. Modric, who received a standing ovation when substituted late in the game, was lifted by his teammates after the final whistle in recognition of his landmark achievement.
