Budimir Off Bench Fires Croatia Past Panama
Substitute Ante Budimir’s bundled finish ended Panama’s World Cup as Croatia kept their knockout dream alive.
Dalic’s Gamble Pays Off at the Back Post
Croatia were staring into the abyss after their 4-2 opening mauling by England, but Ante Budimir tore up the script in nine electric minutes. The striker strode off the bench, met Josip Stanisic’s low cross at the back post and bundled home with a finisher’s instinct — three points secured, Panama eliminated, and Croatia very much alive in Group L.
Panama had frustrated Croatia for most of a tightly contested, low-tempo affair, defending deep and disrupting the 2018 finalists’ usual rhythm. Zlatko Dalic rolled the dice by throwing Budimir into the mix, and the striker responded immediately. One precise cross from Stanisic was all he needed — a composed bundle at the back post that the keeper had no chance of stopping.
England, Ghana and Croatia Set Up Final-Round Decider
The victory cracks open Group L’s final round with serious drama. England and Ghana remain deadlocked on four points each, while Croatia sit one behind at three. Panama depart with nothing after two straight 1-0 losses. Croatia’s last group fixture will be a genuine must-win or must-not-lose occasion — and after this, nobody should count them out.
Croatia have been knocked down before and found ways to get back up. Dalic’s squad knows exactly what is at stake in the final group game. Three points against the right result elsewhere, and the Vatreni will be dancing in the last 32 once more.
