Luka Modric celebrated his 200th international appearance as Croatia secured a crucial win that kept their World Cup hopes alive….reports London Daily News Desk
Luka Modric marked his 200th international appearance in style as Croatia secured their first win of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a 1-0 victory over Panama, a result that eliminated the Central American side from the tournament.
Croatia’s experience and quality proved decisive in a tightly contested Group L encounter at Toronto Stadium, with Ante Budimir’s second-half strike earning all three points and reviving the European side’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
The victory moved Croatia onto three points after two matches, while Panama’s second defeat in a row confirmed their exit from the competition with one group game still to play.
Panama made the brighter start and came close to taking the lead midway through the first half when Jose Luis Rodriguez’s powerful header was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
Despite Panama’s early dominance, Croatia gradually settled into the contest and began to assert themselves after the interval.
Their breakthrough arrived in the 54th minute when substitute Budimir finished calmly at the back post after Josip Stanisic delivered a precise low cross from the right flank.
Croatia almost doubled their advantage moments later. Marco Pasalic was denied by Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera before sending the rebound wide of the target from a promising position.
Panama continued to push in search of an equaliser but found Livakovic in outstanding form. The Croatian goalkeeper produced a series of important saves to preserve his side’s narrow lead and deny Panama a historic first World Cup point.
The win was particularly memorable for captain Modric, who reached the milestone of 200 international caps. The veteran midfielder has now featured in each of Croatia’s last 21 World Cup matches, a remarkable run stretching back to the team’s second group-stage fixture against Japan at the 2006 tournament.
Croatia will now head into their final Group L match against Ghana with renewed confidence, while Panama’s World Cup campaign comes to an end after a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful effort.
