BMs

Dear God,
Thank you for protecting me from things I thought I wanted.
🙏❤️

Croatia should be two up!
Panama win a corner but it's cleared, Croatia break and Marco Pasalic is suddenly bearing down on goal.
He tries to dink it past Orlando Mosquera but the keeper stands up tall.
The ball comes back to Pasalic, though, and he lashes the rebound high and wide from a tight angle.

There's the opener!
Croatia break the deadlock! A deep cross in front of net and all alone at the back post is Budimir, who came on as a second half sub.

There were some nervy moments, but Croatia's pedigree surfaced at the right moment and they have taken this crucial Group L encounter, earning their first points of World Cup 2026 and celebrating Luka Modric's 200th cap in winning style.
For Panama, it is a cruel reminder of what happens in football, as the Canaleros were bright for many parts of the match, but leave defeated and now eliminated from these global finals.

Panama just seem to be running out of steam.
Can they muster the energy for one last push for an equaliser?

Bro definitely panicked and accidentally pressed the cross button instead of shoot.

Offside called on Andrej Kramaric of Croatia.

Jose FAJARDO (Panama) commits a foul.

Still waiting for the game to really settle into a rhythm after the break.
A lot of 'action' in the middle third.

Here we go!
The referee signals the start of the second half.

First half stats.
It has been a VERY interesting first 45 minutes at Toronto Stadium. 2018 and 2022 podium finishers Croatia have their hands full with a Panama side that has been very bright and came achingly close to scoring.
Only a superb fingertip save from Dominik Livakovic prevented a shock opener from the Canaleros.
Will Croatia's experience win out in the end? Or is this the start of a magical night for Panamanian football?

Goalless at the break.
Panama will be happy with their performance so far. Croatia, not so much.

One of the most decorated Croatian players of all time.
Luka Modric playing his 200th game.