The World Cup has left Panama with a bitter taste once again. The CONCACAF side fought hard, hung in there, and at times came close to pulling off a miracle, but a lone goal in the second half sealed a painful 1-0 loss to Croatia. With this result at BMO Field, the Panamanian team is officially eliminated and remains on a frustrating quest for its first-ever World Cup point after two appearances.
Panama’s defensive wall crumbled in the second half
During a slow-paced first half with few thrills, Panama displayed admirable tactical discipline. The defensive line blocked the Europeans’ attempts, keeping alive the hope of earning a point. However, the lock was broken in the 54th minute. Following a curling cross from Josip Stanišić, forward Ante Budimir—who had come on as a substitute just four minutes earlier—found the open net and tapped the ball in for the 1-0 lead.
Just three minutes after that blow, Croatia came close to scoring a second goal. The tireless Luka Modrić, celebrating his historic 200th international appearance at age 40, threaded a through ball to leave Marco Pašalić alone. Fortunately, goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera bravely closed down the angle and blocked the shot, keeping Panama alive in the match.
Panama was cruelly stifled in the 67th minute. In a burst of sheer determination and heart, the Canaleros’ offense created three crystal-clear, consecutive chances to tie the game. Unfortunately, they came up against a giant in the opposing goal: Dominik Livaković pulled off a hat trick of dazzling saves. On the last one, the Croatian goalkeeper managed to make a saving palm that deflected the ball just over the crossbar. That was the moment when luck completely turned its back on Panama.
The Final Battle for Honor
While Croatia breathes a sigh of relief and remains in contention for the Round of 16, Group L will reach its conclusion this coming Saturday with the following scenario:
| Team | Points | Standings |
| England | 4 | Tied for first place. |
| Ghana | 4 | Tied for first place. |
| Croatia | 3 | Still in the running. |
| Panama | 0 | Eliminated. |
The final group matches will be decisive for the rest of the teams, but for Panama, it will be a matter of pride:
- England vs. Panama: In East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Canaleros will take the field with the sole mission of finishing with dignity and fighting for that historic and elusive first point in a World Cup.
- Ghana vs. Croatia: In Philadelphia, where they’ll decide who advances to the next round.
