Panama Vs Croatia Date: All the Details You Need

The highly anticipated friendly between Panama and Croatia took place on June 7, 2023 at the Estadio Rommel Fernández in Panama City. The match served as a final preparation for both teams ahead of the 2023 Copa America and the 2024 European Championship qualifiers, offering fans a glimpse of tactical adjustments and individual brilliance.

Match Overview

In a tightly contested encounter, Croatia emerged victorious with a narrow 1‑0 win. The decisive goal came from substitute Ante Budimir, who struck in the second half after a swift counter‑attack. Goalkeeper Dominik Livaković kept Panama at bay with an incredible save in the 78th minute, preserving the clean sheet for the Croatians.

Date, Time, and Venue

Key Moments

  1. Kick‑off: Both teams started with a high‑pressing approach, seeking early dominance.
  2. 28′ – Luka Modrić’s 200th cap: The Croatian midfield maestro celebrated his 200th international appearance, completing a perfect pass that set up the opening chance.
  3. 57′ – Ante Budimir’s goal: After a well‑timed substitution, Budimir received a lofted ball on the edge of the box, turned, and fired a low‑driven shot into the bottom corner.
  4. 78′ – Livaković’s save: Panama’s forward, Luis Márquez, unleashed a powerful header that seemed destined for the net, but Livaković dived to his right and tipped the ball over the bar.
  5. 90′ + 4′ – Final whistle: The match ended 1‑0, with Croatia securing three points and Panama left to regroup before their next fixture.

Tactical Snapshot

Both coaches opted for a 4‑3‑3 formation, but the execution differed markedly. Croatia emphasized possession, using Modrić’s experience to dictate