Panama have been eliminated from World Cup contention after Croatia secured a narrow 1-0 victory on Tuesday to keep their hopes of reaching the last 32 alive.
The 2018 and 2022 semi-finalists responded to their opening 4-2 defeat to England with a hard-fought performance, eventually breaking down a resilient Panama side through Ante Budimir’s 54th-minute strike.
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić’s team needed a response after their opening setback, and Budimir’s close-range finish proved decisive in front of a crowd that saw a strong Croatian presence among the 43,000 spectators.
“You cannot win a match if you don’t score,” said Panama head coach Thomas Christiansen after the game.
Despite the defeat confirming elimination, the Danish-born coach praised his players’ effort, saying he was “super proud” of their performance against higher-ranked opposition.
“These players, after these two World Cup matches, won’t be where they are today,” he added, reflecting on the experience gained at the tournament.
Croatia captain Luka Modrić marked his 200th international appearance, though his early headed effort went over the bar in the opening stages.
Panama, who have adopted a compact defensive approach under Christiansen, created one of the clearest chances of the first half when José Luis Rodríguez’s header was tipped onto the crossbar by goalkeeper Dominik Livaković.
The match turned after the break as Croatia increased pressure, with Budimir converting Josip Stanišić’s cross to put his side ahead.
Croatia almost doubled their lead moments later when Modrić’s precise pass released Marco Pašalić, but the forward was denied by goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera before firing the rebound over the bar.
Panama pushed for an equaliser but could not find a breakthrough, extending their goalless run at the tournament.
They will face England in their final group match on Friday, while Croatia sit on three points and meet Ghana—who have four points after drawing with England—for a place in the last 32.
Modrić celebrated on landmark appearance
After the match, Dalić reflected on Modrić’s milestone appearance, saying the veteran midfielder preferred to avoid excessive attention.
The 40-year-old AC Milan player was substituted in the 81st minute to a standing ovation and was later lifted by teammates at full-time.
“He could be someone who might want to avoid all this,” Dalić said.
“He is very humble, very simple… not one for major celebrations, but I am very glad we marked this today.”
The coach described Modrić as a “born leader” whose influence comes naturally within the squad rather than through authority.
“That’s what makes Luka a quality person,” he added.
AFP
