Budimir scores winner for Croatia against Panama; Modric reaches milestone
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 24, 2026, 1:23 AM
Last updated Jun 24, 2026
Ante Budimir scored the only goal of the match as Croatia faced Panama in a crucial World Cup encounter on June 24, 2026. This victory puts Croatia just one point behind England and Ghana in Group L. The match also marked a historic moment for Luka Modric, who became the fourth Croatian player to earn 200 caps at the age of 40. Despite the loss, Panama remains winless in their five World Cup appearances from 2018 to the present, effectively eliminating them from this tournament.
- •Ante Budimir scored the lone goal for Croatia.
- •Luka Modric reached 200 international caps for Croatia.
- •Croatia sits one point behind England and Ghana in Group L.
- •Panama is eliminated from the World Cup, with no points to date.
- •The match took place on June 24, 2026.
- 1:23 AMThe Guardian Sport — Budimir rescues Croatia with winner against Panama on Modric’s landmark day
"On the night when a 40-year-old Luka Modric became the fourth member of the sport’s ultra-exclusive 200-cap club on the men’s side for Croatia, Ante Budimir rescued their World Cup campaign with the only goal of a tight match. It was the solitary goal scored all day in Group L and puts Zlatko Dalic’s side a point behind England and Ghana. Panama, meanwhile, are eliminated and have yet to secure a point in five World Cup matches between the 2018 edition and this one. Continue reading...
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