Budimir's intervention rescues Croatia at BMO Field

Croatia breathed life back into their World Cup with a scrappy but vital 1-0 win over Panama at BMO Field, substitute Ante Budimir settling a tight contest after the break. Beaten by England in their opener, Zlatko Dalić's side could not afford a slip, and though they were second best for much of the first half, their greater experience and strength in depth eventually told. The result lifts Croatia to third in Group L with their hopes of reaching the Round of 32 still alive.

This was a long way from Croatia at their fluent best. They laboured for rhythm against a spirited Panama and needed Dalić's decisive substitutions to change the tide. But winning ugly is its own kind of quality, and a team with this much tournament pedigree will care only that they remain in contention.

Panama's brave effort goes unrewarded

Panama, chasing a first World Cup point in their history, were the brighter side early on, carrying a genuine threat and striking the woodwork before half-time, with an offside flag also cutting short a moment of celebration. For a debutant nation against a former finalist, it was a spirited, fearless showing that deserved more. Croatia, disjointed and short of ideas, were relieved to reach the break level, and Dalić acted decisively with his changes. The fresh legs shifted the balance, and Budimir struck in the second half to break Panamanian hearts against the run of the early play. The debutants pushed for an equaliser without success, throwing men forward in the closing stages, while at the other end Croatia substitute Martin Baturina almost added a second in stoppage time, denied by Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera. The visitors held on for a win that flattered them on the balance of play.

Croatia's veterans eye another deep run

For all the imperfections, Croatia's pedigree is undimmed. Finalists in 2018 and third in 2022, Dalić's side are anchored by a seasoned core — captain Luka Modrić still conducting from midfield — that knows how to grind out results when it matters most. Time and again this generation has found a way through difficult nights, leaning on experience, game management and a deep bench when fluency deserts them. A strong set of substitutes and a coach unafraid to use them dragged Croatia through an off-day here. Now they must be considerably sharper on the final matchday to keep a familiar tournament journey going — but they remain alive, and that was all that mattered in Toronto.

Panama on the brink

Defeat leaves Panama on the edge of elimination. The debutants have competed with spirit and organisation across the group but have lacked the final quality to convert encouraging displays into points, and this was the most painful example yet — a performance worthy of reward that brought none. They close against England with Group L poised: England and Ghana on four, Croatia on three, Panama still searching for their first point. Even in likely farewell, there is something to build on for a nation taking its first steps at this level. Our forecast of under 2.5 goals landed in a tight, low-scoring win.