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Croatia defeated Panama 1-0 in Toronto on Tuesday, eliminating the Central Americans from the 2026 World Cup while keeping their own knockout-round hopes alive. The match also marked Luka Modric's 200th international appearance, a milestone celebrated by his teammates after the final whistle. Source: Al Jazeera Source: El Mundo
Panama dominated much of the first half, with Amir Murillo and Jose Luis Rodriguez creating the best chance: Rodriguez's header struck the crossbar after a fine save by Dominik Livakovic. Source: Infobae Source: El Mundo Croatia struggled to create chances until halftime substitutions, including Ante Budimir, changed the game. In the 54th minute, Budimir tapped in a cross from Josip Stanisic to score his first World Cup goal. Source: CNA Some sources describe the finish as a left-footed strike, while others note he used his torso. Source: El Mundo Source: El Español Croatia nearly added a second moments later when Marco Pasalic was denied by Orlando Mosquera. Source: Al Jazeera Panama pushed for an equalizer but could not beat Livakovic, who made several saves. Source: Japan Today
“Halftime substitute Ante Budimir scored in the 54th minute as Croatia eliminated Panama from World Cup contention with a tightly fought 1-0 victory at Toronto Stadium.”
“La mejor ocasión panameña llegó en el minuto 23. Murillo volvió a ganar la espalda por la banda derecha, centró al área y José Luis Rodríguez conectó un cabezazo que Livakovic desvió lo justo para enviarlo al larguero.”
“La noche tenía otro foco inevitable: Luka Modric. El capitán croata alcanzó los 200 partidos internacionales.”
Group L standings: England and Ghana lead with 4 points, Croatia has 3, and Panama is eliminated with 0. Source: La Vanguardia Croatia must beat Ghana on Saturday in Philadelphia to have a chance at advancing, while Panama faces England in New Jersey seeking their first World Cup point. Source: El Colombiano
“Croatia's match-winner Ante Budimir rejoiced in their 1-0 victory against Panama at the World Cup and hoped they would learn the right lessons as they stayed in contention to progress.”