TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Croatia kept their 2026 World Cup campaign alive after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama in Group L action at Toronto Stadium on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. The result revived Croatia’s chances of reaching the knockout stage while ending Panama’s hopes of advancing.
Ante Budimir emerged as the match winner after scoring early in the second half, helping Luka Modric and his teammates bounce back from their opening defeat to England.
Panama 0-1 Croatia
Croatia entered the match needing a victory after suffering a 4-2 loss to England in their opening Group L fixture.
The game began cautiously, with both sides struggling to create clear opportunities during the opening stages.
Panama produced the best chance of the first half in the 23rd minute when Jose Rodriguez connected with Amir Murillo’s cross from the right flank. However, Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic reacted brilliantly, making a one-handed save to keep the score level.
Croatia’s best opportunity before halftime came through Martin Baturina, whose long-range effort was comfortably stopped by Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera.
The breakthrough arrived shortly after the restart.
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic introduced Ante Budimir and Andrej Kramaric at halftime, and the changes quickly paid dividends. In the 54th minute, Budimir met Josip Stanisic’s cross at the far post and guided the ball into the net to give Croatia a 1-0 lead.
Croatia nearly doubled their advantage minutes later. Luka Modric released Mario Pasalic on a counterattack, but Pasalic failed to convert after Mosquera read his attempted lob before the follow-up effort sailed over the crossbar.
Panama responded strongly and pushed forward in search of an equalizer. Livakovic proved decisive once again, producing a series of important saves around the 70th minute to preserve Croatia’s lead.
Despite late pressure from Panama, Croatia maintained their defensive discipline and secured a crucial victory.
The result keeps Croatia firmly in contention for a place in the knockout rounds, while Panama became the latest team eliminated from the tournament.
Starting Lineups
Panama: Orlando Mosquera; Jiovany Ramos, Jose Cordoba, Andres Andrade; Amir Murillo, Carlos Harvey, Edgar Barcenas, Cesar Blackman; Cristian Martinez, Jose Fajardo, Jose Luis Rodriguez.
Croatia: Dominik Livakovic; Josip Stanisic, Josip Sutalo, Marin Pongracic, Josko Gvardiol; Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic; Mario Pasalic, Martin Baturina, Ivan Perisic; Petar Musa.
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