Croatia Edge Panama 1-0 to Keep World Cup Knockout Hopes Alive

Croatia boosted their chances of reaching the World Cup knockout stage with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama in Toronto, earning their first points in Group L.

The result leaves Zlatko Dalić’s side firmly in contention for a place in the last 32, with a win against Ghana in their final group match enough to secure qualification. Ghana earlier played out a goalless draw with England.

Substitute Ante Budimir proved to be the difference, scoring nine minutes into the second half to hand Croatia all three points and eliminate Panama from the tournament after a second consecutive defeat.

Panama posed several problems during the opening period, using their pace in attack to trouble the 2018 World Cup runners-up, who struggled to find rhythm in a largely uneventful first half.

In response, Dalić introduced two attacking changes at the break, and the move paid immediate dividends as Budimir calmly converted Josip Stanišić’s low cross at the far post to break the deadlock.

The victory also marked a memorable milestone for captain Luka Modrić, whose 200th international appearance ended on a winning note. The 40-year-old midfielder, featuring in his fifth World Cup, became only the fourth male player to reach the landmark before being substituted late in the game.
The midfielder, who was lifted into the air by his teammates at the end, completed 88% of his passes, meaning he has completed 80% or more of his passes in all 19 World Cup appearances he has made.

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In a post by BBC, Dalic said: “He is still influencing matches and to play for your country 200 times, that is a lot. We need to be very happy to have him in the team.

“Luka is very humble and this is why he is not for major celebrations. But I am very glad we marked this today in front of our fans.”

Panama had chances to equalise and potentially extend their World Cup stay, but were thwarted by Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, who made a series of saves in one frantic spell just before the second-half hydration break.