Ante Budimir delivered a match-winning cameo off the bench as Croatia eliminated Panama with a 1-0 victory in Toronto, keeping the 2018 World Cup finalists' hopes of reaching the last 32 firmly alive.

The game had been a frustrating stalemate before coach Zlatko Dalic made a bold double substitution at half-time, withdrawing Petar Musa and Josko Gvardiol in favour of Andrej Kramaric and Budimir. The move transformed Croatia's attacking threat almost immediately.

Budimir's moment of quality

Within nine minutes of coming on, Budimir broke the deadlock in clinical fashion. Josip Stanisic combined with Mario Pasalic in a sharp one-two on the flank before delivering a dangerous cross from the right. The ball travelled the full width of the six-yard box, finding Budimir unmarked at the far post — and he made no mistake.

Pasalic came close to doubling the lead shortly after, released in behind following a Croatia corner, but his attempted chip was too central and Orlando Mosquera saved comfortably. Pasalic then turned the rebound wide from a tight angle, leaving the scoreline at 1-0.

Panama offer little threat

Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic was rarely troubled, though he did produce a fine reflex save to deny Harvey in the 69th minute. An earlier stop from Rodriguez in the 23rd minute was ultimately ruled out for offside, meaning Panama's best moments amounted to nothing.

Croatia had already lost their opening group match to England, so this win was essential. With three points secured, they now hold a strong position to advance from Group L as one of the best third-placed sides, if not higher. Panama, meanwhile, are eliminated and face England on Saturday in a dead-rubber fixture.