Croatia, for Luka Modric’s 200th match, relaunched in the 2026 World Cup after an initial defeat against England, beating (1-0) Panama, which was eliminated at the same time, Tuesday in Toronto.
The Croats won thanks to a goal from Ante Budimir, who had just come on in the second half and was served by a precise cross from Josip Stanisic (54th).
Three minutes later, Mario Pasalic missed the ball for 2-0. Starting alone at goal, he saw his dive attempt repelled by Orlando Mosquera, then failed to recover the ball on the rebound.
Until then, the Panamanians had been the most pressing offensively, like this ball catapulted with the head by José Luis Rodriguez, which hit the crossbar after being brushed by the fingers of Dominik Livakovic (23rd).
The Croatian goalkeeper also saved his team in the 67th minute by diverting a Cristian Martinez shot for a corner.
Enough to move up to 3rd place in Group L, one point behind England and Ghana who remained back to back (0-0) earlier in Boston.
To hope to advance to the round of 16, the Croatians, finalists in 2018, will have to not lose on Saturday in Philadelphia against the Ghanaians.
