Substitute Budimir keeps Croatia alive at BMO Field

Croatia kept their World Cup hopes alive with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Panama at BMO Field, substitute Ante Budimir settling a tense, scrappy contest in the second half. Recovering from an opening defeat to England, Zlatko Dalić's vastly experienced side knew only victory would keep them in contention — and they got it the hard way, riding out a difficult first half before their changes turned the game. The win lifts Croatia to third in Group L with their qualification hopes still alive heading into the final matchday.

It was far from vintage Croatia. For long spells they laboured against a committed Panama, struggling to impose the rhythm and control that has defined their golden generation. But in Dalić they have a coach unafraid to act, and his second-half interventions — Budimir prominent among them — proved decisive when the contest was crying out for a spark.

Match summary: Panama push but fall short

Panama, seeking the first World Cup point in their history, were the better side for much of the opening period. They carried a genuine threat, going close through a half-chance and seeing a header come back off the woodwork, with an offside flag also denying them a moment of celebration. Croatia, sluggish and disjointed, were grateful to reach the interval level, and Dalić responded with urgent changes. The fresh legs shifted the momentum, and it was Budimir who made the breakthrough in the second half, finishing to break Panama's resistance. Panama responded by pouring forward in search of an equaliser but could not find a way through, while at the other end Croatia substitute Martin Baturina almost added a second in stoppage time, denied by Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera. Croatia held on for a precious, if unconvincing, victory.

Croatia's veterans chase another deep run

For all the struggles, Croatia's pedigree remains formidable. Finalists in 2018 and third-placed in 2022, Dalić's side are built around a core of seasoned campaigners — captain Luka Modrić still pulling the strings in midfield — who know exactly what it takes to navigate the fine margins of a World Cup. This was a reminder that experience and a strong bench can drag a team through an off-day. Now third in Group L, Croatia must produce a far sharper display on the final matchday if they are to extend a tournament that has so often brought out their best.

Panama on the brink after two defeats

For Panama, the defeat leaves them on the brink of elimination. Still chasing a first-ever World Cup point, the debutants have shown spirit and organisation across the group without quite finding the quality to match it. Their reward for an encouraging display here was nothing, and a second defeat in two leaves them needing results to go their way. They close their campaign against England, with Group L finely poised: England and Ghana on four points, Croatia on three, Panama yet to get off the mark. Both Group L matches kick off simultaneously.