The Mt Kenya Times 
Ante Budimir came off the bench to break Panamanian resistance as Croatia moved within touching distance of the last 32, with Luka Modric marking his 200th cap in style.
By Norman Mwale
Ante Budimir came off the bench and changed everything as Croatia edged a stubborn Panama 1-0 at Toronto Stadium, keeping the 2018 finalists firmly in contention for a place in the last 32. The Osasuna striker’s composed finish in the 54th minute broke Panama’s resistance and left Los Canaleros mathematically eliminated from World Cup 2026 Group L. With England and Ghana drawing 0-0 earlier in the day, Croatia moved to three points — one behind the group leaders — heading into the final round of fixtures.
“I am happy that I scored my first goal at the World Cup. It is important for us to start winning and get back to the team we were before.” — Ante Budimir
Tuesday’s clash was tight and physical from the first whistle. Panama, without injured talisman Adalberto Carrasquilla, pressed with pace down the wings and almost shocked Croatia early when José Fajardo’s header cannoned off the crossbar. Dominik Livaković tipped the follow-up over, and the 2018 runners-up gradually grew into the match. The first half ended goalless, with both sides struggling to create clear openings.
Zlatko Dalić made his move at the break, introducing Budimir for Petar Muša. The switch paid immediate dividends. In the 54th minute, Marco Pašalić backheeled cleverly to Josip Stanišić on the right, and his pinpoint cross curled to the back post where Budimir guided the ball home with his first meaningful touch. It was the 34-year-old’s first World Cup goal and his fifth in competitive fixtures for Croatia — a composed finish that belied the pressure of the moment.
Croatia should have doubled the lead three minutes later when Pašalić was played clean through on goal, but Orlando Mosquera rushed off his line to smother and Pašalić skewed the rebound over. Panama responded with urgency. Livaković produced three saves inside a minute, the best a leaping stop to deny Carlos Harvey’s header from a corner. Harvey had another opportunity in the 80th minute but struck the side netting from close range when a goal looked more likely.
The win carried an additional layer of meaning for Croatia. Captain Luka Modric made his 200th international appearance at the age of 40 and was thrown into the air by his teammates after the final whistle. The image of one of football’s great servants being lifted aloft by the players he has inspired for two decades was worth the admission price alone. “We are grateful to have a captain like Luka — a great player and a great person,” Budimir said warmly.
Panama coach Thomas Christiansen was generous in defeat despite the elimination. “I think we need to congratulate them and be proud of how Panama has played against a world power such as Croatia,” he said. “These players, after these two World Cup matches, won’t be where they are.” He expressed hope that the performances would open doors for his players at stronger clubs.
The result leaves Croatia third in Group L on three points, behind England and Ghana on four. Dalić’s side must beat Ghana in Philadelphia on Saturday to guarantee progress to the knockout phase. Panama, who lost 1-0 to Ghana in their opener, face England at MetLife Stadium in their final group match.
For Croatia, the dream lives on. For Panama, a World Cup to remember — just not for the reasons they had hoped.
Scoreline: Panama 0–1 Croatia Scorer: Budimir 54′ Venue: Toronto Stadium | Attendance: 43,036
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