Panama 0-1 Croatia: Croatia Kickstart Their World Cup Ad Panama Are Eliminated

Despite Croatia generally being deemed to be tougher opposition compared to previous opponents Ghana, it could be argued that in the first half, Panama were actually the more threatening of the two sides.

With the biggest chance of what was a rather lacklustre first half coming from Panama, when Amir Murillo's bullet header forced Dominik Livakovic into action tipping the ball onto the bar.

Although the potential would not have stood due to the ball going out earlier in the play, the chance certainly acted as a warning shot for Croatia, who, going into the break, were not looking like scoring. 

Croatia seemed to have taken this warning, with it taking less than ten minutes of the second half for them to break the deadlock through the substitute Ante Budimir, who managed to wriggle free from Panama's centre-backs to tap home at the back post following a clever ball across the box from Josip Stanisic.

Panama did not go down without a fight, however, committing many players forward, risking multiple counterattacks, one of which Croatia certainly should have put away, pushing right to the end. However, the game began to slip away from Panama, with a late, wayward Murillio free-kick being their last act of the game, as Croatia went on to claim victory and end any chances of Panama progressing past the group stage. 

Panama Out But Still Fighting

Although this result does sadly spell the end of any dreams Panama may have had of making it through to the knockout stages, Los Canelaros still have the chance to make history at this World Cup in their final match of the tournament.

With the nation still being in search of its first-ever World Cup points, Panama will still have something to fight for heading into the final matchday of the group, and will certainly look to make life as uncomfortable as possible for Thomas Tuchel's England side, who themselves have now shown they can be held following their draw with Ghana 

Although Panama's chances of recording their first-ever points will be lower than in any of their other previous matches of this year's tournament, but will still look to pose a threat to the Three Lions.

Croatia Kickstart Their World Cup

Following what was a damning opening defeat at the hands of England on matchday one, Croatia were finally able to get their first points on the board of this year's tournament after their win against Panama.

After a first half that would have definitely raised some concern amongst fans, with Panama coming narrowly close to having the ball in the back of the net towards the back end of the second half.

However, any concerns were soon put to rest in the second half with Croatia going on to break the deadlock 10 minutes after halftime, with the team going on to claim the three points relatively unchallenged. 

Luka Modric also made history today, with the former Real Madrid man making his 200th appearance for Croatia, becoming only the fourth ever player to do so for a nation.

Zlatko Dalic will be pleased to finally have Croatia's tournament up and running after a rough start, and will know that there is still plenty of work to be done against Ghana on Saturday when they wish to book their spot in the Round of 32.

What's Next For Group L

Croatia look to take on Ghana this Saturday, the same time England kicks off against already eliminated Panama, where the teams' final positions in Group L will be confirmed.

Croatia will not have an easy game against the Black Stars, who are riding a wave of confidence right now, after defeating Panama and holding England, and will need to be on top form if they wish to break down the Ghanaian defense.

Although their chances of topping the group are now low, with Ghana and England both ahead on points, Croatia will still look to do their utmost to put themselves in the best position possible heading into the next round.