Croatia Keep World Cup Hopes Alive With Gritty 1-0 Win Over Panama as Modric Celebrates 200th Cap

Croatia Keep World Cup Hopes Alive With Gritty 1-0 Win Over Panama as Modric Celebrates 200th Cap

Luka Modric's milestone night nearly started with disaster. Panama, the tournament's lowest-ranked team, were the more dangerous side in the first half, pressing Croatia aggressively and forcing goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic into action.

The Croatian shot-stopper tipped Jose Luis Rodriguez's powerful header onto the crossbar in the 23rd minute, and the ball was adjudged to have stayed out, giving Croatia a massive let-off. Panama continued to threaten on the break, with Amir Murillo causing problems down the right flank, but Croatia held on to reach half-time without conceding .

Zlatko Dalic made changes at the break, introducing Ante Budimir and Andrej Kramaric to add more attacking firepower. The decision paid off immediately. Just nine minutes into the second half, Josip Stanisic delivered a inch-perfect cross from the right, and Budimir, who had only just come on, steered it home at the far post to give Croatia a 1-0 lead . The goal settled Croatia's nerves and allowed them to control possession more effectively .

Croatia nearly doubled their lead minutes later when Modric intercepted a poor Panama pass and released Marko Pasalic through on goal. The midfielder's shot was saved by Orlando Mosquera, and the rebound was narrowly missed from a tight angle.

Panama pushed forward in search of an equaliser as they faced elimination, with Livakovic forced into two quick saves from Murillo and Carlos Harvey's header tipped over the bar . But Croatia's defense held firm, and the final whistle sparked celebrations from the Croatian players and fans.

The result gives Croatia their first three points of the tournament, keeping their hopes of advancing from Group L alive . Modric, now 40, played the full 90 minutes on his 200th appearance for Croatia, delivering a composed performance that will be remembered for years to come.

Coach Zlatko Dalic admitted afterwards, "To be honest, I didn't expect it to be this difficult. We didn't react the best, maybe that was due to the pressure as we really needed these three points" . Croatia will face Ghana in their final group match, with a draw likely enough to see them through to the knockout stages, while Panama are eliminated after two straight defeats.