In a tense and lackluster match, Croatia secured a vital victory that keeps them alive in the 2026 World Cup. They beat Panama 1-0 at Toronto Stadium in the second round of Group L, eliminating the Central Americans prematurely. The European side, which lost their opener against England, needed a win to avoid elimination. They achieved it, but just barely and suffering until the end.
The first half was a real bore. Both teams made many mistakes, and the few clear chances fell to Panama. A header from Rodríguez that hit the crossbar and a spectacular double save by Livakovic against Murillo kept the score 0-0. Croatia, for their part, only threatened with a shot from Baturina that Mosquera deflected for a corner. Luka Modric’s 200th match for Croatia seemed headed for a frustrating draw.
But early in the second half, the Croatian coach made two key substitutions: Ante Budimir and Andrej Kramaric replaced Musa and Gvardiol. In the 54th minute, a play down the right flank featuring a backheel from Pasalic ended with a low cross from Stanisic that Budimir pushed into the net at the far post. The 1-0 sparked Croatian celebrations, but the suffering was not over.
Panama did not give up and pushed forward with everything. Livakovic became the hero with two miraculous saves: first from a cross-shot by Murillo and then from a header by Harvey that he tipped over the crossbar. Croatia, meanwhile, missed an incredible goal when Pasalic, one-on-one with the goalkeeper, failed to convert the rebound and shot wide with two teammates unmarked in the area.
The final minutes were a Panamanian monologue, but without accuracy. With five minutes of added time, the Central Americans tried everything but repeatedly crashed against the Croatian defense and an inspired Livakovic. The final whistle brought Croatian relief and Panamanian despair.
With this result, Croatia has three points and awaits the final matchday, where they will face Ghana in Philadelphia. Panama, with two losses, says goodbye to the World Cup. Next Saturday, Group L will be decided with the matches Croatia-Ghana and England-Panama.
The Croatian victory, though narrow, restores hope to a team that arrived at this World Cup as one of the contenders. But their performance is far from convincing. Panama, on the other hand, leaves with their heads held high, having fought hard in both matches but paying dearly for their lack of finishing in attack.
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Para mí esto es un choreo de la FIFA, siempre cuidando a los europeos. Panamá jugó mejor, el penal a Fajardo era clarísimo y el árbitro ni lo pitó. Livakovic es un fenómeno, pero Croacia no merecía ganar. Vamos Panamá carajo, qué bronca me da.
Para mí Croacia es un equipo recontra berreta, viven de pedo. Panamá es un equipito chico, puro verso. Livakovic los salvó, sino lloraban como siempre. Modric un capo pero ya no da más. ¡Vamos Croacia, a callar bocas! Firmado: El Gaucho Nazi