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Ante Budimir scored as Croatia secured a hard-fought win over Panama in Toronto.
Ante Budimir (centre) celebrates after scoring a goal. (AP Photo)
Croatia have kept their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign alive with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Panama on Tuesday, a result that ended the Central Americans’ hopes of reaching the last 32.
After opening their Group L campaign with a 4-2 defeat to England, the 2018 and 2022 semi-finalists responded with a vital three points thanks to Ante Budimir’s second-half winner.
The decisive moment came in the 54th minute when Budimir turned in a cross from Josip Stanisic, sparking celebrations among the largely Croatian crowd inside Toronto’s 43,000-capacity stadium.
Croatia could have doubled their lead shortly afterwards. Luka Modric, making his 200th international appearance, threaded a perfectly weighted pass through to Marco Pasalic, who raced clear on goal. Orlando Mosquera saved Pasalic’s initial effort, and the Croatian forward then blazed the rebound over the bar while off balance.
Despite the defeat, Panama produced a spirited display and came close to taking the lead before halftime. In the 23rd minute, Jose Luis Rodriguez directed a header toward goal, but Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic stretched to get a fingertip to the ball, diverting it onto the crossbar.
Modric had also threatened early for Croatia, although his headed effort sailed over the bar.
Panama, appearing at just their second World Cup after securing qualification through a disciplined defensive approach under coach Thomas Christiansen, matched Croatia for long periods and continued to push for an equaliser after falling behind. However, they were unable to break through, extending their goalless run at the tournament.
“You cannot win a match if you don’t score,” said Panama’s Danish-born coach Thomas Christiansen.
Nevertheless, Christiansen praised his players’ efforts against higher-ranked opposition.
But he told reporters he was “super proud” of his players for how they battled against the higher-ranked Croatian side.
Although Panama’s tournament is now over, Christiansen believes the experience will benefit his squad in the long term.
“These players, after these two World Cup matches, won’t be where they are today.”
Panama will conclude their campaign against England on Friday.
Croatia, meanwhile, moved onto three points and will face Ghana in their final group match with a place in the last 32 at stake.
Ghana climbed to four points earlier in the day after earning a goalless draw against England.
About the Author
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience …Read More
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