Croatia send Panama crashing out of World Cup with 1-0 win

Panama have been knocked out of the World Cup after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Croatia in their Group L clash on Tuesday.

Ante Budimir scored the decisive goal in the 54th minute to keep Croatia’s hopes of reaching the last 32 alive, while Panama’s campaign effectively came to an end after another goalless outing.

Croatia, semi-finalists in 2018 and 2022, came into the match under pressure after losing 4-2 to England in their opening group game.

They needed a response, and Budimir delivered when he tapped in Josip Stanisic’s cross in the second half before a 43,000-capacity crowd in Toronto largely dominated by Croatian supporters.

Panama coach Thomas Christiansen said his side paid the price for failing to take their chances.

“You cannot win a match if you don’t score,” he said.

Despite the defeat, Christiansen praised his players for pushing Croatia hard and said the team had taken important steps forward on the world stage.

He said he was “super proud” of the players, adding that they would grow from the experience of playing at the tournament.

Croatia captain Luka Modric, making his 200th international appearance, almost marked the occasion early, but his headed effort went over the bar.

Panama also had a major first-half chance in the 23rd minute when Jose Luis Rodriguez directed a header towards goal, only for Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic to push the ball onto the bar with his fingertips.

The match changed after the break as Croatia began to impose themselves.

After Budimir’s opener, Croatia should have doubled their lead when Modric released Marco Pasalic with a perfect pass.

Pasalic raced through on goal, but his first effort was stopped by Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera. The rebound fell back to him, but he fired the second attempt over the bar.

Panama continued to search for an equaliser but failed to break through Croatia’s defence, extending their World Cup goalless run.

They will now face England on Friday in what will be their final match of the tournament.

Croatia, now on three points, will face Ghana in a decisive clash for a place in the final 32. Ghana moved to four points after holding England to a goalless draw earlier.

After the match, Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic paid tribute to Modric, who was substituted in the 81st minute and received a standing ovation from the crowd.

Modric was later lifted by his teammates after the final whistle in celebration of his milestone appearance.

Dalic described the 40-year-old AC Milan midfielder as humble, simple and a natural leader.

“He’s very humble, he’s very simple,” Dalic said.

According to him, Modric does not need to force leadership on the squad because his influence is already clear.

“That’s what makes Luka a quality person,” the Croatian coach said.