Regional Media on Croatia's Win: 'They Barely Escaped, Almost Eliminated'

Regional media focused on Croatia's hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama, with striker Ante Budimir emerging as the hero. The win, secured by Budimir's second-half goal, keeps Croatia's hopes alive in the group stage, though the performance drew mixed reactions from neighboring countries' sports outlets.

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The Vatreni entered this match with a dose of caution and fear, for the reason that a potential loss would eliminate them from the tournament, but Zlatko Dalić's chosen players showed they are a great team and came away with three points from such a situation and remained in contention for advancing from the group.

Klix.ba reported under the headline 'Croatia narrowly beat Panama, reserve Budimir hero of the Vatreni,' noting that the team entered the match with caution, aware that a loss would mean elimination. Despite a less convincing display, Zlatko Dalić's squad managed to secure three vital points, demonstrating their resilience.

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It was a very tough and uncertain match in which both teams had their chances, but in the end, the goal by Ante Budimir at the beginning of the second half decided it.

Sportsport.ba echoed this sentiment, stating 'Budimir saved Croatia against Panama.' They described the match as tough and uncertain, with both teams having chances, but ultimately decided by Budimir's strike early in the second half. Oslobođenje added that the first half was forgettable, but the second saw Croatia, aided by goalkeeper Livaković and scorer Budimir, achieve a "gold-worthy" three points.

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The first half was one to forget, but in the second, the Vatreni, on the wings of Livaković and scorer Ante Budimir, achieved three gold-worthy points.

Serbian outlet B92 highlighted the close call with the headline 'Budimir woke up the Croats, Panama almost sent the Vatreni home!' They suggested Panama was the better team and showed more, while Kurir simply stated 'Croatia beat Panama with great difficulty.' Informer's headline, 'Croatia barely escaped: With great difficulty prevented another disgrace,' underscored the perceived struggle and near-miss for the Croatian team.

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Budimir woke up the Croats, Panama almost sent the Vatreni home!