By Dwayne Ferreira.
Budimir scores the winner as Croatia beat Panama 1-0, celebrate Modrić’s 200th cap and remain alive in Group L while eliminating Los Canaleros.
Ante Budimir scored the only goal as Croatia defeated Panama 1-0 in Group L, keeping their World Cup campaign alive and eliminating the Central American side after two narrow defeats.
Both teams entered Toronto Stadium without a point. Croatia had lost 4-2 to England despite twice fighting back, while Panama had been beaten by Ghana through a stoppage-time goal. England and Ghana’s earlier 0-0 draw meant the loser in Toronto would have no route into the knockout stage.
Panama also had to cope without influential midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla, who missed the match with a muscle problem. Thomas Christiansen selected José Fajardo to lead the attack, while Zlatko Dalić made three changes and retained Luka Modrić for a landmark 200th international appearance.
The occasion carried emotional significance for Modrić, who became only the second European man to reach 200 caps. Croatia’s travelling support filled the stadium with colour, but Panama initially refused to allow the milestone to become the backdrop to an easy Croatian victory.
Croatia controlled periods of possession during the first half without consistently breaking Panama’s compact defensive structure. Amir Murillo and José Luis Rodríguez gave Panama energy on the flanks, while their defenders protected the central route to goal and forced Croatia to circulate the ball outside the penalty area.
Panama’s direct play and willingness to send crosses into the box created uncomfortable moments for Croatia. Dominik Livaković remained alert behind his defence, while Fajardo worked to occupy Joško Gvardiol and Marin Pongračić. At the opposite end, Orlando Mosquera dealt confidently with Croatia’s limited first-half threat.
Dalić introduced Budimir after the interval and the substitution changed the contest. In the 54th minute, Marco Pašalić and Josip Stanišić combined during a patient attack before a deep cross travelled towards the back post. Budimir found space beyond Panama’s defensive line and converted from close range.
Croatia almost doubled their advantage moments later when Pašalić broke through alone. Mosquera blocked the initial effort and the Croatian attacker sent the rebound over, leaving Panama within one goal of saving their tournament.
The final stages belonged to Panama’s pursuit of an equaliser. They forced Croatia backwards, delivered a succession of crosses and set pieces and tested Livaković, who produced several important saves to preserve the lead. Murillo remained one of Panama’s strongest outlets, but their pressure again failed to produce a finishing touch.
Budimir supplied the decisive moment, yet Livaković’s composure was equally important as Croatia protected a slender advantage. Modrić helped manage possession before leaving to a warm ovation, completing a milestone night with the result his team required.
Panama were eliminated without scoring after consecutive 1-0 losses, although their competitiveness in both matches offered a fairer reflection of their performances than the table. Croatia moved onto three points and now face Ghana on June 27 in a decisive final group match. England lead Group L with four points and meet Panama at the same time, leaving Croatia’s qualification hopes firmly in their own hands.
MATCH SUMMARY
Panama – 0
Croatia – 1
Ante Budimir 54’
Result: Croatia won 1-0
Player of the Match: Ante Budimir
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group L
Venue: Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada
Date: June 23, 2026
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