Kha Y Tran Croatia beat Panama 1-0 in Group L of the FIFA World Cup 2026. It was not an easy win. However, it was a very important one.
Ante Budimir scored the only goal of the match in the second half. As a result, Croatia kept their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
Meanwhile, Panama suffered their second straight defeat. Therefore, they were knocked out of the tournament.
The match was also special for Luka Modric. The Croatia captain played his 200th game for the national team.
Watch the match highlights at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5PJGL-8qyM&list=PLBRLtDhTHh5o&index=35
Croatia Needed This Win
Both teams entered the match under pressure. Croatia had lost their first game to England. Panama had also lost their opening match to Ghana.
Because of that, this game was almost a must-win match for both sides.
Croatia started with more control. They pushed forward early. However, Panama stayed calm and defended well.
Panama also pressed high up the pitch. Therefore, Croatia found it hard to build attacks.
Although Croatia had more of the ball, they did not create many clear chances in the first half.
Croatia eliminates Panama from the 2026 World Cup.
Panama Almost Scored First
Panama had the best chance before the break.
In the 23rd minute, Amir Murillo crossed the ball from the right. Jose Luis Rodriguez met it with a strong header.
However, the ball hit the crossbar. Croatia were lucky to escape.
After that, Croatia tried to slow the game down. Modric helped his team keep the ball. However, Panama stayed compact and worked hard.
As a result, the first half ended 0-0.
Barcelona’s cross was unsuccessful.
Budimir Makes the Difference
Croatia changed their approach after halftime. Coach Zlatko Dalic made important changes.
Then, in the 54th minute, Croatia finally scored.
Marco Pasalic sent a low cross into the box. Ante Budimir reacted quickly and finished from close range.
The goal gave Croatia a 1-0 lead. It also changed the match.
After that, Panama had to attack more. Meanwhile, Croatia became more careful.
Budimir’s only goal.
Livakovic Saves Croatia
Panama did not give up. Instead, they pushed forward and created pressure.
In the 68th minute, Dominik Livakovic made three key saves in a row. Those saves kept Croatia ahead.
Panama kept fighting until the final whistle. However, they could not find the equalizer.
Croatia also had chances to score again. Marco Pasalic and Luka Sucic both came close. Nevertheless, the score stayed 1-0.
Panama Are Out of the World Cup
Panama had one last chance in stoppage time. They won a free kick near the Croatia box.
Amir Murillo took the shot. However, the ball went over the bar.
Soon after, the referee ended the match.
The defeat means Panama are out of the FIFA World Cup 2026. They lost both of their first two games.
Even so, Panama showed good spirit. They defended with energy. They also pressed well and caused Croatia many problems.
Modric Reaches 200 Caps
The match was also a historic night for Luka Modric.
The Croatia captain made his 200th appearance for his country. This is a rare and special record in world football.
Modric did not score. He did not make an assist either. However, his leadership was still important.
He helped Croatia stay calm in a tense match. Moreover, his experience gave the team confidence.
Luka Modric remains a key player for Croatia (Photo: AP)
Croatia Keep Knockout Hopes Alive
Croatia now have three points in Group L. Therefore, they still have a strong chance to reach the knockout stage.
The win was not perfect. However, it showed Croatia’s experience and mental strength.
Panama, meanwhile, leave the tournament early. Still, they can be proud of their effort.
In the end, Croatia did enough to win. Budimir scored the key goal. Livakovic made the key saves. And Modric celebrated a major milestone.
Final Score:
Panama 0-1 Croatia
Goals:
- Croatia: Ante Budimir (54′)
Croatia’s narrow but crucial victory keeps their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign alive, while Luka Modric’s historic 200th appearance added even more significance to an unforgettable night.
Read more:
England Start World Cup 2026 with a Big Win
Ghana Strike Late to Beat Panama 1-0 at World Cup
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