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 this 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 during the match.

The full Israeli roster for the game includes Yam Madar, Eitan Borg, Yair Kravitz, Kadin Currington, Guy Pletin, Adam Ariel, Lior Carrera, Netanel Artzi, Yotam Hanuchi, Eli Dolinsky, and Benia Sarur. Israel has already secured advancement to the second round of group play, which begins at the end of August (August 27 and 30). The Israeli group, which includes Croatia and Germany, will face teams from Poland, the Netherlands, Latvia, and Austria in the next stage.

Croatia has demonstrated strong performance in all five of its qualifying games, recently defeating Cyprus 123-50, marking the largest victory margin in European World Cup qualifiers. Their squad features NBA player Ivica Zubac, who averaged 14.1 points and 10.6 rebounds last season, as well as Mario Hezonja, who recorded a triple-double against Cyprus. Dario Saric and Jalen Smith, who will play for Hapoel Jerusalem next season, are also on the Croatian roster.

In their previous encounter, Croatia defeated Israel 85-71, with Michael Rozic scoring 23 points and Mario Hezonja adding 19. Israel's last victory 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 challenge posed by Croatia's physicality and size, noting the need to build on the aggressive play Israel showed in the last quarter against Germany. He highlighted the importance of staying focused, playing structured basketball, and avoiding rushed shots. Lior Carrera echoed the focus on physicality, aggressiveness, and rebounding, acknowledging Croatia's strong players but stressing the team's collective effort as underdogs.

The match against Croatia will be Israel's final game in the first round of World Cup qualifiers, with the team looking to secure a positive result before advancing to the next stage later this summer.