FIFA World Cup 2026: Budimir helps Croatia beat Panama 1-0 in Group L clash
Toronto, June 24
Croatia, with the help of Ante Budimir, secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Panama in their Group L clash of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Toronto Stadium on Tuesday, keeping their World Cup campaign on track after an opening 4-2 defeat to England in their campaign-opener.
The match began in a cagey fashion, with Panama looking organised and physical in midfield while Croatia struggled to create clear chances. Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic found little space as Panama pressed high and disrupted Croatia's passing rhythm.
The best chance of the first half came for Panama in the 23rd minute when Panama's Jose Luis Rodriguez met a cross with a powerful header, but goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic produced a superb save to tip the effort onto the crossbar.
Croatia improved after the break following tactical changes from coach Zlatko Dalic, who introduced Ante Budimir to add more presence in attack. The substitution paid off quickly as Croatia took the lead in the 54th minute. A well-worked move down the right saw Josip Stanisic deliver a low cross into the box, which Budimir finished from close range at the far post.
After falling behind, Panama pushed forward in search of an equaliser and created several dangerous moments. However, Livakovic was in outstanding form, making a series of crucial saves to deny the Panamanian attack, including a strong stop from a close-range header during a period of sustained pressure.
Croatia had chances to extend their lead on the counter-attack but could not find a second goal. Despite late pressure from Panama, they held firm defensively to secure all three points.
The win takes Croatia to three points in the Group L standings, with England and Ghana tied for four points, setting up an important final group-stage match as they continue their push for qualification.
— ANI
Reader Comments
A win is a win, but Croatia need to step up their attacking game. Panama are a tough opponent - they don't give you much space and keep fighting. I feel India can learn a lot from Panama's style - good defensive organisation, physical play, and counter-attacking football. We need more such compactness in our own national team setup. 🇮🇳
I watched the match highlights - Panama really gave them a scare! That crossbar header was so close. Modric and Kovacic didn't have their best game, but credit to Panama's pressing game. It's amazing how football has grown globally. Seeing teams like Panama compete at this level is beautiful. India needs to take inspiration and work harder on our football development. Want to see Croatia vs Ghana in the last group game - should be a cracker!
Dalic got the tactics right in the second half. Bringing Budimir on gave Croatia some much-needed presence up front. Still, they need to be more clinical in front of goal if they want to go deep. With England and Ghana on four points each, the final group match will be crucial. Would love to see Croatia qualify - they have such a passionate fanbase.
Lovely to see Croatia bounce back after losing to England. The World Cup always has these thrilling group stage battles! 🇭🇷 Panama put up a great fight though - really impressed with their energy. As an Indian football fan, it's inspiring to see smaller nations compete with such heart. Hopefully we'll see similar development in Indian football soon. Final group match between Croatia and Ghana is going to be intense! ✨
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