Toronto [Canada], June 25: Ante Budimir's goal gave Croatia a narrow 1-0 against Panama at the World Cup on Tuesday.
The win marked Luka Modric's 200th international cap and kept Croatia alive in the fight for a spot in the knock-out stages. Panama, meanwhile, are eliminated.
"It was a tough and fighting match against a dangerous opponent. We didn't manage to do much in the first half, but we were much better in the second. Three points and we are still in the game," Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said.
Substitute Budimir scored the winner in the 54th minute. Josip Stanisic sent in a great cross to the box. Goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera tried to grab it, but failed and the ball reached Budimir, who bundled it home.
Croatia should have doubled their lead just three minutes later but Marco Pasalic missed a huge chance.
After a fast counterattack, he was played in all alone and had only Mosquera to beat. He tried to chip the ball over the keeper, but Mosquera stood up tall to make a save.
Pasalic collected the rebound but he sent it well over the crossbar.
With their first win in this edition, Croatia are third in Group L with three points. England top the group but tied on four points with Ghana after their goalless draw earlier.
Croatia face Ghana on Saturday, while Panama say farewell to the tournament against England.
"We played well. We fought until the end, staying true to our identity and the only thing I can say is that I am proud of my players. That's just how football goes. They had one clear chance and scored it," Panama coach Thomas Tarin said.
Source: Qatar Tribune
