CROATIA narrowly saw off Panama to put the pressure on England going into the final fixtures of the Group Stage.
The victory, combined with the disappointing goalless draw with hours earlier, leaves and Co just a point behind ‘s men.
Ante Budimir’s goal saw Croatia run out 1-0 winners over Panama Credit: Reuters
The Osasuna star showed up at the back post to score the game’s only goal Credit: AP
Jose Fajardo must have thought he had given the underdogs a shock lead in the early stages of the game when he powered a header towards goal, but keeper reacted brilliantly to tip the ball onto the crossbar.
‘s class then began to tell as they upped the pressure on the back line.
It was Ante Budimir who proved to be the eventual difference maker, firing home the decisive goal from close range.
The big man, who stars up front for LaLiga outfit Osasuna, turned home an inviting cross sent in by Josip Stanisic after some neat play down the right side.
The finish came in the 54th-minute, just nine minutes after the star’s half-time introduction for Petar Musa.
They should have doubled their advantage just three minutes later, when Marco Pasalic was played clean through behind the Panama back line.
The attacking midfielder had Martin Baturina – the against – backing him up should he choose to square the ball.
But instead the Orlando City star went for the spectacular, trying to chip his finish over the keeper, but only managing to bounce it harmlessly off the onrushing stopper.
Dominik Livakovic was a busy man in the Croatia goal Credit: Getty
Panama proved to be quite the threat in the air Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Pasalic was first to the rebound, but he shot again from a tight angle and spooned his effort wayward into the stands.
The Croats were very close to ruing the missed chance as Panama returned fire with a flurry of efforts on Livakovic’s goal, but the 31-year-old was equal to them all.
The result leaves Panama officially out of contention, meaning they will be playing for nothing but pride when they face off against England on Saturday.
Meanwhile it will be a shootout between Croatia and Ghana on the same day, with the winner securing guaranteed progression to the Round of 32.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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