Croatia edge Panama to keep World Cup dream alive

KATHMANDU: Croatia boosted their chances of reaching the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama in Group L on Tuesday.

Substitute Ante Budimir emerged as the match-winner, scoring the decisive goal in the 54th minute after coming on at halftime at Toronto Stadium.

The 34-year-old striker converted from close range following an excellent move involving Josip Stanisic and Marko Pasalic, netting his first World Cup goal and fifth in a competitive match for Croatia.

The victory lifts Croatia to third place in Group L with three points, keeping their qualification hopes firmly alive. Zlatko Dalic’s side must now defeat Ghana in Philadelphia on Saturday to secure a place in the Round of 32.

For Panama, the defeat confirmed elimination from the tournament after a second consecutive loss. The Central American nation remains without a point in five World Cup matches, having also suffered a 1-0 defeat to Ghana in its opening game.

Croatia nearly doubled their lead three minutes after the goal when captain Luka Modric released Pasalic with a superb long pass, but Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera produced a fine save before Pasalic squandered the rebound.

Panama responded strongly and came close to equalising, forcing Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic into three saves within a minute. His outstanding stop from Carlos Harvey’s header proved particularly crucial.

After the second-half hydration break, however, Panama struggled to maintain momentum and failed to create another clear-cut opportunity.

Earlier in the day, England and Ghana played out a goalless draw, leaving both teams level on four points at the top of Group L, while Croatia moved onto three.

The final round of group-stage fixtures will see England face Panama and Croatia take on Ghana, with the top two teams advancing to the knockout stage.