Croatia edge Panama as Modric marks 200th cap at World Cup
Ante Budimir's second-half goal secured a vital 1-0 win in Toronto, reviving Croatia's campaign on a landmark day for veteran Luka Modric.
Tom Hartley
Writer ·
Croatia kept their World Cup campaign alive by edging Panama 1-0 in Toronto, a result they badly needed after losing their opening fixture.
Ante Budimir struck after half-time to settle a tense contest in which Panama threatened at moments but could not turn their pressure into a goal.
A landmark for Modric
The win also marked Luka Modric's 200th international cap, a milestone for one of Croatia's greatest players wrapped into a victory that revived their hopes of progressing.
How it unfolded
Panama defended diligently and carried a threat on the break, but Budimir's finish proved decisive as Croatia held firm to claim three precious points.
What happens next
With their campaign back on track, Croatia will look to build on the result, while Panama must regroup quickly to keep their own qualification hopes alive.
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