Budimir Fires Croatia to First World Cup Win, Panama Eliminated

The Group L encounter, played in Toronto, saw Panama make a bright start and create several promising opportunities. However, the Central American side failed to capitalize on their chances before Croatia took control after the break.

The victory marked the first win of the tournament for the 2018 World Cup runners-up and lifted them to third place in the group with three points from two matches. Panama, meanwhile, have suffered back-to-back defeats and can no longer advance to the knockout stage.

England national football team lead the group, while Ghana national football team sit second with four points.

With the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams progressing to the Round of 32, Croatia remain firmly in contention for a place in the next phase.

Croatia had opened their campaign with a 4-2 defeat to England, while Panama were beaten by Ghana after conceding a dramatic stoppage-time goal.

The match also marked a significant milestone for Croatia captain Luka Modrić, who made his 200th appearance for the national team at the age of 40.

Despite enjoying less possession, Panama looked more threatening in the opening stages. Their best chance came in the 23rd minute when Amir Murillo delivered a cross from the right and José Luis Rodríguez powered a header toward goal. However, Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livaković got a touch on the ball, pushing it onto the crossbar.

Croatia nearly broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time when Martin Baturina unleashed a low shot from around 25 yards, but Panama’s goalkeeper produced an excellent save to keep the score level.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić made a crucial tactical change at halftime, replacing Petar Musa with Budimir. The substitution paid off in the 54th minute when Josip Stanišić's cross from the right found Budimir at the far post, and the striker guided the ball into the net for the match’s only goal.

Livaković preserved Croatia’s lead with a series of outstanding saves. In the 68th minute, he denied two consecutive efforts from Murillo before brilliantly tipping Carlos Harvey’s header over the bar from a corner kick.

Both sides created opportunities in the closing stages, but neither could add to the scoreline as Croatia held on for a crucial victory.

Croatia will face Ghana in their final group-stage match on Saturday, while Panama conclude their campaign against England at the same time. The outcome of the Croatia-Ghana clash could prove decisive in determining qualification from Group L.

MMR