who earlier drew 0-0 with England,<\/a> will confirm Croatia’s place in the knockout phase.<\/p>\nSubstitute Ante Budimir’s goal nine minutes into the second half eliminated England’s final group opponents Panama, who have lost their first two matches.<\/p>\n
Panama’s pace in attack had caused problems for the 2018 runners-up during a goalless first period, and Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic reacted to his side’s disappointing first-half display by making two attacking changes at the break.<\/p>\n
One of those paid off almost immediately as Osasuna forward Budimir calmly turned in Josip Stanisic’s low cross at the far post.<\/p>\n
That goal ensured Croatia captain Luka Modric’s 200th international appearance ended in victory.<\/p>\n
The 40-year-old, who was replaced after 81 minutes, is the fourth male player to reach that milestone as he features in his fifth World Cup.<\/p>\n
The midfielder, who was lifted into the air by his teammates at the end, completed 88% of his passes, meaning he has completed 80% or more of his passes in all 19 World Cup appearances he has made.<\/p>\n
Dalic said: “He is still influencing matches and to play for your country 200 times, that is a lot. We need to be very happy to have him in the team. <\/p>\n
“Luka is very humble and this is why he is not for major celebrations. But I am very glad we marked this today in front of our fans.”<\/p>\n
Panama had chances to equalise and potentially extend their World Cup stay, but were thwarted by Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, who made a series of saves in one frantic spell just before the second-half hydration break.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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