Croatia Stuns Panama with Late Goal, Keeps World Cup Hopes Alive

The Match Turning Point

Croatia secured a crucial 1-0 win over Panama in their World Cup 2026 Group L match, with Ante Budimir scoring the only goal in the 54th minute. This victory keeps Croatia's campaign alive, while Panama is eliminated with zero points from their five World Cup matches.

Luka Modric's Milestone

The match marked a significant milestone for Luka Modric, who became the fourth player to reach 200 caps for Croatia. The 40-year-old midfielder received an ear-splitting ovation from the Croatian fans and was substituted off to a hero's welcome after 81 minutes.

The Game in Focus

The contest was a tightly contested affair, with both teams creating limited scoring opportunities. Panama's strategy of packing defenders and hitting opponents on the break ultimately fell short due to their lack of attacking prowess. Croatia, on the other hand, relied heavily on crosses and counter-attacks, which often resulted in their advances being repelled by Panama's defense.

The Impact on Group L

The win puts Croatia a point behind England and Ghana in Group L. The result also means that Panama will not advance to the knockout stages, having failed to secure a point in their five World Cup matches.

The Road Ahead

Croatia will face England on Saturday, and a positive result could see them progress to the next stage. For Panama, their World Cup journey has come to an end, and they will look to regroup and rebuild for future tournaments.