Modric marks 200th cap as substitute Budimir secures laboured 1-0 win for Croatia over Panama at World Cup

A milestone night without the spark

Croatia's captain Luka Modric became only the latest player to reach 200 international appearances, yet his landmark occasion in Toronto was almost spoiled by a tenacious Panama side. The 40-year-old midfielder, heavily criticised after the opening defeat to England, struggled to impose himself on the contest. His early header sailed high and his trademark long passes often lacked precision. When he was substituted with ten minutes to play, the crowd of 43,036 acknowledged his career with chants of "Luka, Luka", a rare moment of warmth on an otherwise frustrating evening for the veteran.

Panama's bold first half

It was the underdogs who created the clearest opening before the break. José Luis Rodríguez met a cross with a powerful header that rattled the crossbar, though the flag should have been raised because the ball had already crossed the byline. The let-off did not wake Croatia from their sluggishness. Zlatko Dalic's side looked short of ideas, misplacing passes and inviting pressure. Panama grew in confidence, attacking with purpose down the right and forcing Dominik Livakovic into a stunning fingertip save that pushed a Rodríguez header onto the woodwork.

The Joker who changed the game

Dalic responded at half-time by introducing Andrej Kramaric and Ante Budimir. The changes brought immediate urgency. Nine minutes after the restart, Bayern Munich's Josip Stanisic drove down the right and delivered a low cross. Budimir, timing his run perfectly, tapped the ball into the net from close range to break the deadlock. It was a classic poacher's finish and a moment of relief for a side that had managed only two shots in the entire first half.

Livakovic preserves the lead

Croatia could have settled the contest shortly after. A clever pass from Modric sent former Dortmund winger Marco Pasalic clean through, but he was denied by Orlando Mosquera in a one-on-one and blazed the rebound over from a tight angle. The miss almost proved costly. Panama refused to fade and continued to threaten, but Livakovic produced several outstanding stops to protect the lead. His agility and composure under the high ball kept Croatia's campaign alive.

Group L equation

With this victory Croatia move to three points, giving them full control of their destiny ahead of the final group match against Ghana, who have four. Another win would guarantee progression to the round of 16. For Panama, the result confirms their elimination. After losing their opener 1-0 to Ghana, a second consecutive defeat leaves them without a goal and with only a dead rubber against England to play. Their second World Cup appearance follows the same pattern as their debut in 2018: group-stage exit.