Budimir Keeps Croatia Alive as Modric Marks 200 Caps in Style

Croatia's World Cup campaign was rescued on Wednesday by Ante Budimir's solitary goal against Panama — a result that also provided the backdrop for one of the tournament's more poignant moments. Luka Modric earned his 200th international cap, with teammates pulling on tribute T-shirts at full time to mark the milestone. It was the kind of occasion that reminded you why the World Cup, even in its expanded form, still produces scenes that matter.

Elsewhere, Canada confirmed their place in the last 16 but paid a price for losing 2-1 to Switzerland, surrendering top spot in Group B and, with it, the home advantage that co-host status might have afforded them. It is the sort of outcome that could echo through the knockout rounds. Bosnia-Herzegovina's win over Qatar meanwhile set up a likely round-of-32 meeting with the United States, while Cristiano Ronaldo finally opened his account at this tournament with a brace for Portugal, to considerable relief in the squad.

The day's other lingering thread was the fallout from England's goalless draw with Ghana. Thomas Tuchel backed Jude Bellingham after a heated exchange with Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz, who had claimed England were lucky to escape with ten men and no penalty against them. Any disciplinary action involving Bellingham would be a serious concern for England as the knockout stage approaches.