Croatia defeated Panama 1-0 through Ante Budimir’s second-half strike to claim their first points of the tournament. Panama, beaten by Ghana in their opener, are eliminated from World Cup 2026 contention with one group game still to play.
🔥 Quick Read
- Budimir scored as a substitute in the 54th minute
- Panama eliminated after back-to-back 0-1 losses
- Croatia move to 3 points, face Ghana next
- Livakovic made multiple crucial saves late on
- Luka Modric earned his 200th international cap
Substitute Budimir Breaks Panama Deadlock
Both sides arrived at BMO Field on June 23 knowing defeat meant elimination. Croatia, heavily favoured on paper, had conceded four in a 4-2 opening loss to England, while Panama fell to Ghana on a stoppage-time goal, meaning this was effectively an immediate knockout tie at the group stage. The first half produced little, with neither side finding a way through a tight, cautious contest, and goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic producing a significant stop to thwart a first-half Panama effort.
The match changed nine minutes into the second half when Ante Budimir, introduced from the bench, converted Josip Stanisic’s cross at the far post to give Croatia the lead. Panama pressed for an equaliser and Livakovic was called upon repeatedly, making multiple saves in quick succession, including denying Michael Murillo twice and tipping away a Carlos Harvey header, to preserve the lead. Mario Pasalic also had a one-on-one chance to extend Croatia’s advantage but was denied.
A landmark evening came with a personal milestone as Luka Modric earned his 200th international cap, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd when he was substituted in the 82nd minute. Croatia held firm through five additional minutes to secure three vital points.
Livakovic’s Triple Save Seals Panama’s Fate
Budimir’s 54th-minute goal, arriving just nine minutes after he came off the bench, proved the decisive act of the match, Stanisic’s cross finding him unmarked at the far post.
Panama’s best spell came in the 68th minute when Livakovic saved from Murillo twice and then denied a Harvey header within the space of moments, ending any realistic hope of an equaliser. Petar Sucic picked up a yellow card in the 90th minute for a foul that handed Panama a late free-kick, which Murillo sent over the bar.
Josip Sutalo Anchors Croatia’s Defensive Hold
Josip Sutalo was rated the standout performer on the night by ESPN’s player ratings. With Croatia’s defensive record under scrutiny after conceding four times against England, Sutalo’s composure at the back was central to keeping a clean sheet.
His work helped contain Panama’s forward pressure, particularly in the second half as the Central Americans chased the game, and his performance offered Dalic a platform to build from heading into the final group fixture.
Group L Picture: Croatia Eye Ghana, Panama Face England
The result leaves Group L with England and Ghana on four points each after their 0-0 draw, and Croatia now on three. Croatia’s final fixture against Ghana becomes a straight fight for the second knockout spot: a win or draw in the right circumstances could see them through. Dalic’s side will need a cleaner defensive display given the exposure shown against England, though keeping a clean sheet here provides some confidence.
Panama, now eliminated, still face England in their final group match with nothing but pride to play for. The double booking, Yoel Barcenas in the 61st minute and the Sucic foul late on, caused no suspensions this match, but Barcenas will enter the England game carrying a yellow card. Thomas Christiansen’s side showed fight but were ultimately unable to convert their pressure into goals across either group match.
Croatia’s Group L fate now rests entirely on their match against Ghana, where nothing less than a result will do.
