Croatia were simply a class above Panama in this Group L opener at BMO Field, Toronto. Zlatko Dalić's side set up in their familiar 4-3-3, with Modrić orchestrating from deep and Kovačić providing the dynamic box-to-box energy that unlocked Panama's compact 5-4-1 block. Panama, managed conservatively, sat deep and looked to exploit transitions through Ismael Díaz and Cecilio Waterman, but they rarely got out of their own half with any purpose. The breakthrough arrived on 23 minutes: Kovačić intercepted a loose Panamanian clearance on the edge of the centre circle, drove forward with purpose and threaded a perfectly weighted through-ball between Escobar and Miller. Kramarić, timing his run to perfection, took one touch to control and slotted low past Mejía at his near post. Panama responded with some urgency — Carrasquilla tested the Croatian midfield press with a couple of incisive passes — but Godoy's yellow card for a cynical foul on Sučić in the 38th minute blunted their counter-attacking threat. The second half saw Croatia tighten their grip. Modrić, playing his likely final World Cup with the armband handed to him as a symbolic gesture by the coaching staff, was magnificent — dropping into pockets, switching play and dictating tempo. His 67th-minute assist was a masterclass: a disguised reverse pass from the right half-space found Perišić arriving late at the back post, and the veteran winger steered a composed left-footed finish into the bottom corner. Panama pushed for a consolation in the final 15 minutes, with Fajardo heading wide from a corner, but Croatia's defensive line — marshalled brilliantly by Gvardiol — never looked troubled. A professional, controlled victory for one of the tournament favourites.

• Croatia dominated possession (62%) and created 2.41 xG — a comfortable performance against a well-organised but outclassed Panama.
• Modrić (39) pulled the strings for 72 minutes, completing 93% of his passes and registering the assist for Perišić's second-half clincher.
• Kramarić's 23rd-minute opener was Croatia's 10th World Cup goal in group openers across their history.
• Panama's defensive block held firm for 22 minutes but was undone by Kovačić's incisive through-ball splitting the centre-backs.
• Panama managed only 2 shots on target all game — both comfortable saves for Livaković — reflecting the gulf in individual quality.
• Gvardiol was imperious at left centre-back, winning every aerial duel and initiating 6 progressive carries.