Budimir delivers on Modric’s historic night as Croatia edge past Panama

Sometimes football writes scripts that feel almost too perfect. On a night when Croatia’s evergreen maestro Luka Modric stepped onto the pitch for his 200th international appearance, it was fitting that another player would step up to keep their World Cup dream alive. Ante Budimir’s solitary strike proved the difference, earning Zlatko Dalic’s side a crucial three points against a stubborn Panama side.

A landmark occasion

Luka Modric’s name will forever be etched in football history. At 40 years old, the Real Madrid legend became only the fourth men’s player – after Ahmed Hassan, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bader Al-Mutawa – to reach the remarkable milestone of 200 international caps. Few players have defined an era like Modric: the Ballon d’Or winner, the Champions League conqueror, the man who dragged Croatia to a World Cup final in 2018 and a bronze medal in 2022. His presence alone inspires a nation, and this fixture was no different. The crowd in Zagreb roared his name, aware they were witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime career reach yet another summit.

Budimir’s decisive intervention

Yet football honours no sentiment for long. Panama, already eliminated after consecutive losses, had no intention of playing ceremonial backdrop. They defended deep, frustrated Croatia’s midfield, and looked to hit on the counter. But Dalic’s men kept probing, and it was Ante Budimir – the Osasuna striker – who broke the deadlock. A well-worked move, a sharp finish, and the ball nestled into the net. It was the only goal of the entire matchday in Group L, underlining how tight this group has become. For Panama, the defeat means they leave the tournament without a single point – a repeat of their 2018 campaign where they also finished empty-handed.

What it means for the groups

Croatia’s victory lifts them to second place in Group L, one point behind early leaders England and Ghana, who drew earlier in the day. The group remains wide open heading into the final round of fixtures. Dalic’s side know that a win in their last match will almost certainly secure knockout football, while even a draw might be enough depending on other results. For Panama, the dream is over, but they can take pride in pushing a World Cup giant to the limit. As for Modric, his 200th cap ended in victory – and that, for now, is the only stat that matters.