Budimir Strike Gives Croatia Win Over Panama as Modric Marks 200th Cap

Croatia beat Panama 1-0 in Toronto on Wednesday morning to register their first points in Group L and keep their round of 32 hopes alive. 

Substitute Ante Budimir scored nine minutes into the second half, turning in a low cross from Josip Stanisic at the far post to settle a tight contest. Panama are eliminated after losing both of their group games.

The win sets up a decisive final round of matches on Saturday. Croatia face Ghana in Philadelphia knowing a win will send them through, while England take on Panama in New Jersey. England and Ghana are level on four points, with Croatia a point behind on three.

The first half was largely uneventful, with Panama's pace in attack causing Croatia problems without producing a clear chance. Coach Zlatko Dalic made two attacking changes at the break, and one of them paid off almost immediately. Budimir, on for just four minutes, calmly finished Stanisic's cross at the far post to break the deadlock.

Croatia nearly doubled their lead three minutes later when Luka Modric found Marco Pasalic on a breakaway, but Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera made a sharp save to keep it at one.

Panama then had three chances in quick succession in the 67th minute to draw level, but Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic produced a stunning trio of saves to keep his side ahead, getting a hand to the final effort to tip it over the bar.

The result gave Modric's 200th international appearance a winning send-off. The 40-year-old, who was substituted off in the 81st minute, is only the fourth male player in history to reach that milestone and is now appearing at his fifth World Cup. He completed 88 percent of his passes on the night, maintaining his record of completing at least 80 percent in all 19 of his World Cup appearances.

Dalic paid tribute to his captain after the game, saying Modric is still influencing matches and that having a player earn 200 caps for his country is something to celebrate.

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Panama remain without a point in two World Cup appearances and are now out of the tournament. Croatia stay alive and know exactly what they need on Saturday.