Israel Prepares for Crucial World Cup Qualifier Against Croatia with Key Players Returning

The Israeli national basketball team is set to conclude the first round of World Cup qualifiers with a game against Croatia on Monday at 21:00, broadcast live on 5SPORT. Israel aims to improve its record after a loss to Germany in the opening match of the current window. Lior Carrera, who did not play in the previous game, will be active, and Yam Madar is expected to join the team shortly and serve as captain. The full Israeli roster for the game includes Madar, Eitan Borg, Yair Kravitz, Kadin Currington, Guy Peltin, Adam Ariel, Lior Carrera, Netanel Artzi, Yotam Hanuchi, Eli Dolinsky, and Benia Sarur.

Israel has already secured advancement to the second round of qualifiers, which will begin at the end of August. The Israeli group, which includes Croatia and Germany, will face teams from Poland, the Netherlands, Latvia, and Austria in the next phase. Croatia has demonstrated strong performance in all five of its qualifying games, including a record 123-50 victory over Cyprus last Friday, the largest margin in European World Cup qualifiers. Their squad features NBA player Ivica Zubac, Mario Hezonja, who recorded a triple-double against Cyprus, Dario Saric, and Jalen Smith, who will play for Hapoel Jerusalem next season.

In their previous encounter, Croatia defeated Israel 85-71, with Michael Rozic scoring 23 points and Hezonja adding 19. Israel's last win over Croatia was at EuroBasket 2007. Croatia's lineup for the upcoming game includes Antonio Jordano, Jalen Smith, Krassimir Radovcic, Dominic Mavra, Antonio Skiric, Mario Hezonja, Roko Badzim, Luka Bozic, David Skara, Dario Saric, Dranko Berkovic, and Ivica Zubac.

Assistant coach Yoav Shamir emphasized the physical challenge posed by Croatia, noting their size and quality. He highlighted the importance of maintaining aggression and composure, especially drawing lessons from the final quarter against Germany. Lior Carrera stressed the need to focus on physicality, aggression, and rebounding, acknowledging Croatia's key players but emphasizing team effort. Israel approaches the game as underdogs, aiming to play disciplined basketball and capitalize on easy scoring opportunities.