Budimir strike keeps Croatia alive and sends Panama out

TORONTO: Ante Budimir scored the only goal as Croatia beat Panama 1-0 in their World Cup Group ‘L’ match on Tuesday, securing their first points of the tournament and knocking the Central American side out of the competition.

Both teams went into the game needing a result after England and Ghana had played out a 0-0 draw earlier in the section. With neither side having picked up a point before kickoff, defeat would have ended their campaign.

The match at Toronto Stadium was played in front of a crowd dressed in the shared red, white and blue colours of the two national flags on a windy evening by Lake Ontario. Before kickoff, Croatia supporters sang Hrvatski Band Aid’s Moja domovina, helping create an intense atmosphere.

Croatia break through after the interval

Panama kept Croatia at bay for long spells with an organised defensive display, but the breakthrough came in the second half. Marco Pasalic produced a backheel to release Josip Stanisic, who advanced and delivered a cross into the penalty area for Budimir to steer into the net.

The goal sparked celebrations among Croatia fans behind the goal and proved enough to settle a closely fought contest. Croatia had a chance to extend their lead when Pasalic was sent through on goal, but Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera made the save before the midfielder sent the rebound over the bar.

Panama threaten but fail to convert

The game featured a physical contest in midfield, while Panama caused problems in the first half through quick attacks down the flanks. Jose Luis Rodriguez and Amir Murillo both delivered dangerous crosses into the area, but Panama were unable to find a finishing touch.

The result also capped a landmark evening for Croatia captain Luka Modric, who made his 200th international appearance. The 40-year-old midfielder was lifted into the air by his teammates after the final whistle in recognition of the milestone.

Panama are now out of the World Cup, but still head into their final group-stage fixture chasing a first win at the tournament. Their last match is against Group ‘L’ leaders England. Croatia, meanwhile, will face Ghana in their final group game, with Ghana level on four points with England in the standings.