No goals in the first half: Panama-Croatia 0-0

In the second 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L match, Panama and Croatia closed the first half level at 0-0 at the BMO Field in Toronto. Both teams, who lost their openers and are chasing a first point at the tournament, failed to find the net in the opening 45 minutes.

Croatia held control in terms of possession. Zlatko Dalić's side reached 64% of the ball, with Panama on 36%. But that edge did not turn into clear goal chances; the stats pointed to very low threat creation. On expected goals (xG), Panama were on 0.06 and Croatia 0.05, showing neither team seriously tested the goalkeeper.

The most dangerous moments of the half came at its end. In the 45+1, Martin Baturina's long-range strike after a pass into him headed for the bottom-left corner, but Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera, who had tracked the play from the start, made a simple save to avert the danger and conceded a corner. Right after, in the 45+2, Marco Pašalić's dangerous corner was cleared by the Panama defence. Although Croatia led 2-1 on total shots, neither side created a big chance.

Croatia, beaten by England in their opener, struggled to break down Panama's defence despite being favourites on paper. Panama, under Thomas Christiansen, managed to come through the first half unscathed with a disciplined, compact defence. Croatia, back-to-back semi-finalists, are expected to up the tempo and take more risks in attack in the second half. For Panama, this goalless first half is a promising start in the hunt for a surprise result. The match is being officiated by Gabonese referee Pierre Atcho.

Starting XIs
Panama (3-4-3): Mosquera; Ramos, Córdoba, Murillo; Andrade, Harvey, Barcenas, Martínez; Rodríguez, Fajardo, Blackman
Croatia (4-2-3-1): Livaković; Stanišić, Sutalo, Pongračić, Gvardiol; Modrić, Kovačić; Pašalić, Baturina, Perišić; Musa

Image: Spor Digest