Budimir's second-half strike sends Croatia above Panama to pile pressure on England

Substitute Ante Budimir scored the only goal as Croatia defeated Panama 1-0 in their World Cup Group L fixture on Tuesday, eliminating the Central American side and leaving England needing a result in the final round of matches.

Budimir, arriving at the back post unmarked, converted a deep cross in the 54th minute to give Croatia their first points of the tournament. It was a moment of clinical simplicity in a match Croatia had otherwise struggled to control, particularly in a first half where Panama matched them for much of the contest.

The win carried additional significance off the pitch: Croatia captain Luka Modric became only the second European player in history to earn a 200th international cap, a milestone that added ceremony to what was otherwise a tense and scrappy affair.

Croatia came close to doubling their advantage shortly after Budimir’s opener when Marco Pasalic broke clear on goal, only to be denied by the Panama goalkeeper. Pasalic then skied the rebound, leaving the scoreline at 1-0 and Croatia’s nerves intact for the remainder of the match.

The stakes in the group had been sharpened earlier on Tuesday when England and Ghana played out a 0-0 draw, a result that ensured any side losing their next fixture would have no path to the knockout round. Croatia’s victory now means England must avoid defeat in their final group game against Croatia to guarantee progression, while Panama’s tournament is over.