Venue: BMO Field, Toronto
Goal scorer: Ante Budimir 54'
Modric's Historic 200th Cap
On an evening when Luka Modric became only the fourth men's player to reach 200 international caps, joining Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Kuwait’s Bader al-Mutawa, Croatia kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign alive. The 40-year-old captain was treated to thunderous support from the large Croatian contingent in Toronto, but it was a second-half substitute who ultimately delivered the moment that mattered most.
Budimir Breaks the Deadlock
After a goalless first half that saw Panama’s deep 5-4-1 block frustrate Croatia almost entirely, manager Zlatko Dalic made a decisive double change at the break, introducing Ante Budimir and Andrej Kramaric. Within nine minutes, Budimir bundled home from close range after an excellent run and cross from right-back Josip Stanisic, who had exchanged a slick one-two with Mario Pasalic.
It proved the only goal of a tight contest and one of few clear openings all evening. Panama, forced to chase the game, finally began to leave spaces, but Croatia could not add to their advantage. Dominik Livakovic had earlier denied José Luis Rodríguez with a fine save, tipping a powerful header onto the underside of the bar in the first half, while at the other end Orlando Mosquera was rarely tested beyond the goal.
Panama's Faith Not Quite Enough
Thomas Christiansen’s side had spoken of faith moving mountains, but their tournament ends without a point or a goal. The Canaleros – who reached the 2024 Copa América knockout stage, the 2025 Concacaf Nations League final and a 2023 Gold Cup final – again defended with discipline and physicality, but crucially lacked the attacking quality to punish Croatia on the counter.
“Our faith moves mountains,” Christiansen had said before the tournament, but by the final whistle Panama had been eliminated at the group stage for the second successive World Cup, still seeking their first ever goal on the global stage.
For Croatia, the 1-0 win lifted them to three points in Group L, one behind both England and Ghana ahead of their final pool matches. The 2018 finalists and 2022 third-place finishers know their golden generation is ageing, but Budimir’s intervention keeps the dream of a fourth consecutive knockout appearance very much alive.
Key Takeaways
- Modric makes history: The 40-year-old joins an exclusive club of men to have played 200 internationals, underscoring his remarkable longevity and importance to Croatia.
- Budimir delivers off the bench: Dalic’s half-time switch paid immediate dividends, with the Osasuna striker’s tap-in proving decisive.
- Panama’s resolute defence undone: Despite their trademark organisation, a single lapse in concentration after the break ended their World Cup hopes.
- Croatia’s challenge defined: A must-win game was secured, but the ageing core will need to find more creativity against Ghana in their final Group L match.
- Group L wide open: With England and Ghana also on three points, Croatia must win again to guarantee a spot in the last 32.
What's Next?
Croatia face Ghana in a decisive final group match, while already-eliminated Panama take on England with only pride to play for. For Modric and his team-mates, the mission is clear: extend a historic World Cup journey a little longer.