Published Jun 23, 2026, 9:12 PM ET · Updated 5 months ago · 1 source
World Cup 2026: Panama 0-1 Croatia - Ante Budimir scores from bench to kickstart 2018 finalists' tournament
skysports
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Original Report
INFERY
Ante Budimir came off the bench to ignite Croatia's World Cup and eliminate Panama as the 2018 finalists won 1-0 in Toronto. The half-time change settled a game of few clear-cut chances as he bundled home Josip Stanisic's excellent cross at the back post nine minutes after coming on, as Croatia bounced back from their opening-game defeat to England. There was little to worry them defensively but knowing a victory would give them a strong chance of reaching the last 32, they found the Central Ame