Budimir rescues Croatia with winner against Panama on Modric’s landmark day
When it was all done, and Ante Budimir had rescued Croatia’s World Cup campaign with the lone goal in a tight match against Panama, 25 Croatians donned black T-shirts over their match kits and warm-up tops.
TL;DR
- Ante Budimir scored the only goal in Croatia's 1-0 victory over Panama.
- Luka Modric earned his 200th senior international cap, becoming the fourth male player to reach this milestone.
- The win is crucial for Croatia's World Cup campaign, placing them a point behind England and Ghana in Group L.
- Panama has been eliminated from the tournament and has yet to score a point.
- Both Croatia and Panama feature veteran squads approaching the end of their international careers.
- Panama employed a defensive strategy, packing players deep and looking for counter-attacks, but lacked attacking potency.
- Croatia struggled to break down Panama's defense in the first half but improved in the second after tactical adjustments.