World Cup: FC Bayern’s defender assists Croatia’s winner against Panama

Croatia recorded their first points of the 2026 World Cup as Panama’s losing streak continues.

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Luka Modrić became only the fourth player to make 200 international appearances as Croatia revived their hopes of making it into the Round of 32 with a narrow win over Panama. Half-time substitute Ante Budimir scored the only goal of the game, only nine minutes after his introduction.

FC Bayern’s Josip Stanišić provided the assist with a precise ball from the right as he played 90 minutes once again. Former Bundesliga stars Joško Gvardiol and Ivan Perišić started the game on the other flank, while Marin Pongračić helped Croatia keep a clean sheet after they conceded four against England.

Hoffenheim’s all-time top-scorer Andrej Kramarić also came on at the start of the second-half as the game only had one shot on target in the first 45 minutes. For Panama, ex-Arminia Bielefeld center-back Andres Andrade played from the start in Thomas Christiansen’s 5-4-1 system.

Panama lost both of their games by a single goal as they’re still waiting for their first World Cup point. They will return home after their last group stage fixture against England, who beat them 6-1 in a similar stage back in 2018. Croatia need to beat Ghana to qualify for the Round of 32 automatically.