Panama were eliminated from World Cup contention after Croatia secured a 1-0 win in a tense Tuesday match.
The Croatian team, fresh from their 2018 and 2022 last-four qualifications, aimed to recover from an opening Group L defeat by England in Dallas.
Ante Budimir’s 54th-minute goal proved decisive, overcoming Panama’s determined resistance.
Luka Modrić, a Croatia legend making his 200th international appearance, missed an early chance with a headed effort that went over the bar.
Under Danish-born coach Thomas Christiansen, Panama has adopted a disciplined defensive approach, marking their second-ever World Cup tournament.
The Panamanian attack nearly shifted momentum in the first half but failed to capitalize on early opportunities.
In the 23rd minute, José Luis Rodríguez’s header was deflected off the bar by Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livaković.
The second half saw a clear shift in momentum, with the 43,000-capacity Toronto crowd chanting as Budimir scored from a cross by Josip Stanišić.
Croatia nearly doubled their lead minutes later when Marco Pašalić was isolated by a precise pass from Modrić, but his attempts were denied by Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera.
Panama’s inability to score extended their World Cup goalless run, despite sustained pressure in the final stages.
Croatia will now face Ghana, who advanced with four points after drawing England 0-0, in the quest to reach the final 32.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)