Budimir fires Croatia past Panama as Modrić reaches 200 caps

Croatia bounced back from their opening defeat at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a crucial 1-0 victory over Panama, keeping qualification for the knockout stage firmly within reach.

A composed finish from substitute Ante Budimir early in the second half proved enough to separate the two sides in Toronto, while veteran captain Luka Modrić celebrated his historic 200th appearance for Croatia with an important victory.

The result leaves Zlatko Dalić's side needing a positive result against Ghana in their final Group L fixture to secure progression to the Round of 32.

Budimir makes instant impact

Croatia struggled to create clear-cut opportunities during an evenly contested first half. Panama's pace on the counterattack unsettled Croatia's defence on several occasions, forcing goalkeeper Dominik Livaković into important interventions while the midfield failed to establish its usual rhythm.

Recognising the need for greater attacking presence, Dalić introduced Ante Budimir after the interval, a move that paid off almost immediately.

Just nine minutes into the second half, Josip Stanišić delivered a dangerous low cross into the six-yard box, where Budimir timed his run perfectly to calmly guide the ball beyond the goalkeeper and hand Croatia the breakthrough.

The goal shifted momentum entirely in Croatia's favour and ultimately proved decisive.

Modrić reaches another historic landmark

While Budimir secured the headlines with the winning goal, the evening also belonged to Luka Modrić.

The Real Madrid legend reached an extraordinary milestone by making his 200th appearance for Croatia, becoming only the fourth male footballer to reach that landmark at international level.

Even at 40 years old, Modrić remained Croatia's creative heartbeat.

The midfielder dictated possession throughout the contest, completed the vast majority of his passes, and once again demonstrated why he remains indispensable to Dalić's side despite entering the latter stages of his career.

After the final whistle, teammates celebrated the achievement by lifting their captain into the air in front of Croatia's travelling supporters.

Livaković preserves Croatia's lead

Although Croatia improved significantly after taking the lead, Panama refused to surrender. The Central Americans created several dangerous chances midway through the second half and came close to forcing an equaliser.

Goalkeeper Dominik Livaković produced a string of impressive saves during Panama's strongest spell, frustrating José Luis Rodríguez and his teammates with excellent positioning and quick reactions.

His commanding performance ensured Croatia maintained their narrow advantage until the final whistle.

Qualification Picture

The victory moves Croatia onto three points in Group L, keeping their knockout hopes alive heading into a decisive final group match against Ghana. Panama, meanwhile, have suffered consecutive defeats and are officially eliminated from the competition before their final fixture against England.

Croatia's clash with Ghana now effectively becomes a qualification playoff, with victory guaranteeing passage into the Round of 32.

With experienced leaders such as Modrić still performing at the highest level and impact players like Budimir stepping forward when

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