It has been a while since Croatia make it to FIBA World Cup and win the bronze. It was around 1994 when the Croatian national team did a remarkable finish where they able to make it to semi-finals and be part of the big four teams that time. But sadly, they were defeated by Russian national team in semi-final round with a tight score of 64-66. But still, they manage to bring home bronze when they win the third-place match against Greece.
Croatia was not able to qualify on years 1998, 2002, 2006 in World Cup tournament but manage to get into World Cup series in 2010 and 2014 but eliminated in the first round. Croatia still on the very last position in Group J Bracket under European Qualifiers. They must win the remaining four basketball matches or they will never make it to World Cup series.
Currently, Croatia has a standing of 3 wins - 5 lost. If the national team will able to obtain a streak win, then they would have a high chance to overtake Poland in the third position in their bracket.
Croatia facing Hungary
It will be a challenging match for Croatia in facing Hungary for about two games in the qualifying rounds in European Brackets. Hungary has better shooting percentage on both two and three-point field goals but what gives an advantage to Croatia is their high percentage shooting in the free-throw area which can be a good break even for them. Croatia is good in rebounds on both offense and defense which gives them the upper hand against Hungary.
But what Croatia lacking is that they need more offensive power which we can see it from Hungary. If Croatia could work on it, then they could win the game against Hungary. Winning against Hungary is very crucial for Croatia since it can be a double effect. It could help pull down Hungary from their current position and pull up Croatia in a much better position.
Croatia's challenge
Croatia has been defeated by teams Lithuania and Poland in the opening of round 2 qualifiers. And yet again they will face these following teams in the series of matches within their bracket. Croatia defeated closely by those teams and I think that Croatia has a fighting chance to win and secure their entry to World Cup as they have acquired last two series of World Cup.
Last match against Lithuania which ended with final score 83-84. They are equally balanced in most terms from shooting in the two-point area as well as in three-point area. I'm sure that Croatia already learned some experience in their previous match. There could be a high possibility that they could make up some revision of strategy in order to win against undefeated Lithuania.
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