Panama
CroatiaPanama dominated the first half and were undone by Croatia's superior depth in the second — Budimir's substitute goal settling a match that Livakovic's first-half heroics had kept scoreless against the run of play. The Croatian patience to absorb forty-five minutes of Panamanian pressure and respond immediately through their bench defined the match's shape; had the Rodríguez header gone in rather than off the bar, this would have been a very different story.
Panama
Panama were arguably the stronger side in the first half and produced the match's most arresting single moment: José Luis Rodríguez's powerful header that forced Dominik Livakovic into an acrobatic save onto the crossbar in the 23rd minute. Without Carrasquilla, their possession was organised but bereft of the creative spark that would have converted territory into goals; Livakovic's trio of rapid second-half saves closed the door they had briefly left open, and Panama's World Cup 2026 is over after two consecutive 0-1 defeats.
Croatia
Croatia were patient, professional, and ultimately decisive — Luka Modrić marked his 200th international appearance with a performance of characteristic intelligence, and Ante Budimir's introduction at half-time transformed the match immediately. Budimir converted Josip Stanišić's low cross from the right in the 54th minute; Livakovic was outstanding when required; and Croatia carry three points and renewed belief into a final group match against Ghana knowing their campaign remains alive.