Croatia kept their hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stage alive with a 1-0 win over Panama, thanks to a goal from substitute Ante Budimir early in the second half. This was Panama’s second consecutive defeat, knocking them out of the race for the knockouts.
In the 54th minute, Ante headed in a curled cross from Josip Stanišić to score. The goal proved decisive and earned Croatia a crucial three points. After losing to England in their first match, Croatia needed a win to stay alive in Group L. England and Ghana have 4 points each, while Croatia are third with 3 points. Croatia will play their final group-stage match against Ghana.
After two straight losses, Panama are out of the tournament and are still struggling for their first-ever World Cup point despite appearing in two editions.
After a slow first half at BMO Field, Croatia broke Panama’s strong defence just four minutes into the second half when Budimir scored. Just three minutes later, Croatia came close to another goal when 40-year-old Luka Modrić, playing his 200th international match, set up Marko Pašalić. However, Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera blocked Pašalić’s shot.
Panama had three consecutive chances to equalize in the 67th minute. Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livaković made three fine saves. On the third, he just managed to tip the ball away from the net.
The team advancing from Group L will be decided on Saturday. England will play Panama in East Rutherford, New Jersey, while Ghana will face Croatia in Philadelphia.
