The goals, minute by minute
- 54'Ante BudimirGoal · 0-1
The preview
Written before the match. We've left it as it was, even where the game said otherwise.
Context
Panama (30th FIFA) vs Croatia (11th FIFA).
Level of the teams
- Panama: an organized, disciplined block, awkward to break down, but limited in attack.
- Croatia: pedigree and midfield experience (Modrić), though with a shaky defense and a generational transition underway.
Key factors
- Croatia superior in talent and game management.
- Panama will rely on its order and set pieces.
- Croatia needs a win to set up qualification.
Prediction
Most likely result: 2-0 Croatia (alternative: 1-0 Croatia)
- Panama win: 18%
- Draw: 27%
- Croatia win: 55%
Player to watch: Luka Modrić, Croatia's brain.
Final verdict, Confidence: medium-high
Croatia is superior in talent and the favorite, but Panama is organized and can make it tricky. A Croatian win is the most likely scenario.