Croatia 103-75 Israel: Dominant Offensive Display in Zagreb

Zagreb, Croatia – Croatia delivered a powerful statement in the FIBA Basketball World Cup European Qualifiers on July 7, 2026, crushing Israel 103-75 at the Dom Sportova. The victory was built on an electric offensive performance that saw four players finish in double figures.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, Croatia controlled the tempo. The team shot over 55% from the field and dished out 28 assists, overwhelming an Israeli defense that had no answer for the home side's pick-and-roll attack. Israel struggled with turnovers, committing 17 in the game.

Key Moments

• First Half Barrage: Croatia scored 58 points in the first half, including a 34-point second quarter, taking a 22-point lead into halftime.
• Third Quarter Knockout: Another 26-16 run in the third period effectively ended any comeback hopes, with the lead ballooning to 32 points.
• Bench Contribution: Croatia's reserves outscored Israel's bench 41-22, demonstrating significant depth.

Standout Players

• Dario Saric (Croatia): Led all scorers with 24 points, adding 9 rebounds and 5 assists.
• Ivan Ramljak (Croatia): Came off the bench to score 18 points on 7-of-8 shooting.
• Deni Avdija (Israel): Was a bright spot with 16 points and 7 rebounds, but lacked consistent support.

Implications for the Qualifiers

The win moves Croatia to 4-2 in Group D, tightening the race for the top spots. Israel drops to 3-3 and now faces a crucial away game against Germany next week. Croatia has now won three straight after a mid-campaign slump, solidifying their case for direct qualification.