Budimir Keeps Croatia’s World Cup Hopes Alive

Ante Budimir’s second-half goal kept Croatia’s FIFA World Cup campaign alive and ended Panama’s hopes of advancing from the group stage, as the Europeans secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory in Toronto.

The result was particularly memorable for Croatian captain and midfield maestro Luka Modrić, who earned his 200th international cap. Modrić became only the fourth player in men’s international football to reach the milestone, joining Cristiano Ronaldo, Bader Al-Mutawa, and Lionel Messi.

Croatia entered the match seeking redemption after a 4-2 loss to England, while Panama was looking to recover from a narrow 1-0 defeat to Ghana. With both teams desperate for points, victory was essential to keep their knockout-stage aspirations alive.

The stakes increased further after England and Ghana played to a goalless draw earlier in the day, leaving Group standings wide open heading into the final round of matches.

In a contest short on quality but rich in determination, Budimir provided the decisive moment shortly after halftime. His goal proved enough to separate the sides in a match where both teams struggled to convert promising opportunities.

Croatia defended resolutely after taking the lead and held on for a crucial three points that revived its chances of reaching the knockout stage.

For Panama, however, the defeat marked the end of its realistic hopes of progression. Having now lost both group matches by identical 1-0 margins, the Central American side remains without a point despite producing spirited performances.

Panama showed energy and attacking intent throughout the tournament but was ultimately undone by its inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The team created chances against both Ghana and Croatia but failed to find the finishing touch needed to turn encouraging displays into results.

Meanwhile, England and Ghana battled to a scoreless draw in a rain-soaked encounter that left both sides well-positioned heading into their final group matches.

England dominated possession and chances but could not find a breakthrough. The Three Lions outshot Ghana 19-1 and came closest to scoring in the 86th minute when Nico O’Reilly’s header struck the crossbar. Harry Kane collected the rebound but sent his effort over the bar.

Ghana’s best opportunity came in the 78th minute when Abdul Fatawu won possession and surged down the flank before finding Prince Adu in the box. Adu appealed for a penalty after a challenge from Ezri Konsa, but no foul was awarded.

England controlled 60 percent of possession in the first half and created several opportunities, including a late chance for Kane inside the penalty area. Ghana improved after the break and nearly threatened in the 50th minute when Marvin Senaya’s header was blocked by the English defense.

The draw extended England’s unbeaten World Cup record against African opposition to nine matches.

Both England and Ghana had won their opening games, with England defeating Croatia 4-2 and Ghana edging Panama 1-0. With the expanded 48-team World Cup format allowing the eight best third-place teams to advance, both nations remain in strong contention for a place in the knockout rounds.

England will face Panama in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in its final group match, while Ghana takes on Croatia in Philadelphia.

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