Croatia beat Panama 1-0 in World Cup Group L on Tuesday at Toronto Stadium, with Ante Budimir scoring the winner and Panama exiting the tournament.
Budimir broke through in the second half after Marco Pasalic found Josip Stanisic with a backheel. Stanisic crossed into the box, and Budimir guided the ball home.
The result gave Croatia its first points of the tournament. It also kept them in contention before their final group match against Ghana.
Croatia nearly doubled the lead when Pasalic went through alone. Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera denied him before Pasalic sent the rebound over.
Panama had threatened in the first half through pace on the wings. Jose Luis Rodriguez and Amir Murillo sent crosses into the box, but Panama failed to convert.
Both teams had entered the match without a point. A defeat meant elimination after England and Ghana drew 0-0 earlier in the other Group L match.
Luka Modric marked his 200th international appearance for Croatia. His teammates lifted him after the match to celebrate the milestone.
Read: England Ghana Draw Leaves Group L Top Spot Open
Panama will face Group L leaders England in their final match as they continue their quest for a first World Cup win.
Croatia will play second-placed Ghana, who are level with England on four points, in their final group match.
