Budimir's 54th-minute goal kept Croatia alive, eliminated Panama
What's next: Croatia moved to third in Group L and stayed in the race for a last-32 berth, while Panama exited after two 1-0 losses.
Ante Budimir scored in the 54th minute to lift Croatia to a 1-0 World Cup win over Panama at Toronto Stadium on Monday, preserving Croatia’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage and ending Panama’s tournament. The result gave Croatia its first points in Group L and moved the team to third place in the group and into the mix among the top third-place teams. Panama was eliminated after opening the tournament with back-to-back 1-0 defeats. The match also marked Luka Modrić’s 200th international appearance for Croatia, and he left to a standing ovation late in the second half.