Croatia claimed their first points of the World Cup with a tense 1-0 victory over Panama, sealed by substitute Ante Budimir’s composed finish early in the second half. In a high-stakes Group L meeting on Tuesday, the result ended Panama’s campaign while keeping Croatia’s hopes alive on a night that also marked captain Luka Modric’s 200th international appearance, making him only the second European to reach that milestone. The opening half was a cagey affair as Croatia struggled to impose their rhythm against an organized Panama side intent on staying compact and breaking at pace. While Croatia enjoyed long spells of controlled possession, clear chances were scarce, and the final pass often eluded them. Panama, disciplined between the lines, forced Croatia into circulating the ball wide, where deliveries failed to regularly find a target. The breakthrough arrived in the 54th minute. A deep cross arced beyond the crowded center of the area to the back post, where Budimir had drifted free of his marker. With time to set himself, the forward guided the ball home from close range, sending Croatian players and supporters into relief-filled celebrations. Moments later, Croatia nearly doubled their advantage. Marco Pasalic burst clear through the middle and faced the goalkeeper one-on-one, but his low effort was blocked, and he fired the rebound over the bar. That miss kept the contest alive and handed Panama a lifeline as they sought a swift response. Chasing the game, Panama committed numbers forward in the final half-hour and tried to stretch Croatia’s back line with direct balls into the channels. Croatia dropped into a compact shape of their own, defending their penalty area with discipline and clearing their lines when needed. As the minutes ticked away, Croatia’s control in midfield steadied the tempo, and Panama’s urgency yielded few clean looks on goal. The final whistle confirmed a valuable victory for the Balkan side and a harsh outcome for the Central Americans, whose elimination was sealed despite their determined display. Beyond the result, it was a landmark night for Modric. The Croatia captain, long the heartbeat of his national team, stepped into a rarefied circle with his 200th cap, underscoring his enduring influence and professionalism on the international stage. Croatia will take heart from their second-half improvement, particularly the impact of Budimir’s movement in the box and the renewed sharpness in transition following the goal. Panama exit the tournament with pride in their defensive structure and work rate, yet they were ultimately undone by a single lapse at the back post and could not convert their moments on the break. In a tight World Cup group where margins are fine, one clinical touch proved decisive.