February 28, 2022 - It was a double-overtime win for Croatia against Sweden in the 4th round of the 2023 Basketball World Cup qualifiers!

Croatia and Sweden met in Norrköping on Monday, with Croatia celebrating after double overtime 105-98 (14-21, 12-20, 24-18, 29-20 / 9-9, 17-10). Their first victory in the group keeps their chances alive of advancing to the next round.

In the marathon match in Norrköping, Croatia reached their first victory in the group, winning after two overtime periods. Filip Krušlin scored in the first overtime five seconds before the buzzer, and Goran Filipović scored a three-pointer in the second overtime.

Croatia was behind for almost the entire game, and Sweden led by 15 points at halftime (25-41). However, Croatia was able to turn things around in the last quarter. 

Three minutes before the end, Croatia took the 73-70 lead to bring the game to the dramatic finale. Sweden's Hackanson hit three free throws for 79-77 just 27 seconds before the end, but Filip Krušlin equalized five seconds before the final buzzer and took the game into overtime.

Sweden was ahead in the first five additional minutes, but Goran Filipović scored a three-pointer for 88-88 with 16 seconds to go. Ramljak then blocked Hackanson, and the second overtime came into play. 

With three-pointers by Ramljak and Krušlin, Croatia gained an advantage of 96-90. A new three-pointer by Tomislav Zubčić two minutes before the end put Croatia ahead 101-95, an advantage they managed to keep until the final buzzer. 

Goran Filipović was the best for Croatia with 29 points, Filip Krušlin scored 21, and Karlo Matković 16, while Ludvig Hakanson led Sweden with 31. 

In this group, Finland previously beat Slovenia 83-79 away.

Finland has three victories, Slovenia and Sweden two, and Croatia one. The first three national teams in the group move to the next round of the competition.

Croatia still needs to play Finland and Slovenia.

Source: HRT

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

February 25, 2022 - The Croatia national team recorded their third defeat in Group C of 2023 World Basketball Cup qualifications. Sweden celebrated 70-64 in Zagreb (18-15, 17-20, 17-10, 18-19).

At the moment, Croatia is in an extremely difficult situation in the standings, although three of the four teams go to the next round of qualifications. However, Finland, Sweden, and Slovenia have a 2-1 ratio, and Croatia 0-3.

Croatia fell behind from the beginning of the game, with Sweden up 6-0 and 9-3. Croatia managed to reduce the gap relatively quickly but also got into new problems after Sweden took the 24-15 lead.

Croatia struggled, especially in the attack, but somehow held their own and went into halftime at 35-35.

The third quarter caused a lot of trouble for Croatia, and in the opening eight minutes, Croatia scored only five points (all five by Šakić). Sweden was close to a double-digit advantage during most of the quarter. Nevertheless, Croatia found the strength for a new comeback. 

With a three-pointer by Gnjidić, Croatia equalized to 60-60 six minutes before the end. Smajlagić also reduced the score thanks to a three-pointer for 63-65, but in the end, Damir Mulaomerović's side was ultimately left without the win.

Croatia's shooting average was below 37 percent and the team struggled in the attack. Tomislav Zubčić was the only one to reach 20 points and four rebounds. No other Croatia player reached double-digits. Gnjidić, Krušlin, Smajlagić, and Šakić scored eight each, with Krušlin adding six rebounds.

Viktor Gaddefors scored 16 points for Sweden with five rebounds, while Simon Birgander added 12 points. 

The three best national teams from each group will move on to the next phase of the competition. The top three teams in Group C will create a new group with the top three teams in Group D. Points from the first round are carried over to the rest of the competition.

Croatia and Sweden meet again on Monday, February 28, in Norrkoping.

Source: HRT

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

February 22, 2022 - Captain Filip Krušlin and coach Damir Mulaomerović discuss the state of the Croatia basketball team ahead of the crucial 2023 World Cup qualifiers against Sweden. 

On Friday, February 25 at 18:30, the Croatia national team will play a crucial qualifying match against Sweden for the 2023 World Cup at the Dražen Petrović Sports Center in Zagreb. Three days later, Sweden will host Croatia.

On that occasion, a press conference was held at the Dražen Petrović Cultural Center, attended by coach Damir Mulaomerović, the new-old captain of the national team Filip Krušlin, and the general secretary Josip Vranković, who started the conference:

"It is my pleasure to announce a new qualification cycle. Right at the beginning, I would like to thank the City of Rijeka and all participants in the Cup final, and I hope that, as in Rijeka, we will have understanding from the epidemiological service because of the interest in this match and will change the percentage of spectators allowed to matches. I would also like to emphasize that the Federation has worked hard on the roster and done everything to keep some players here. Still, some situations that are not within our competence are not in our favor, so about 90% of the players who are at preparations are the ones who will be combined for the matches against Sweden."

Croatia captain, Filip Krušlin, is a returnee to the national team and was asked about the synergy with the national team:

“These are all guys I know, more or less. I played with some of them as a cadet. We are working well and training, and we have a few more days to prepare for the critical first game. After that, we will certainly do the best we can and come ready for the game. I hope for a better performance from our side and a victory. That would be very important to us." 

Coach Damir Mulaomerović did not spare words of praise for his national team members:

“These 15 guys, with their behavior and approach to training, have already shown at the beginning that they are the right team. A difficult match awaits us, and it will be the most difficult to determine the twelve who will run on the floor on Friday because they are all really on the upper limit - with intensity, approach, everything that should adorn one team. We are all aware of our situation, but I am sure that the guys will do their best. "

What is the emphasis on training?

"They are all professionals with experience, so the emphasis is on the tactical part. We have slightly simplified how we will defend and prepare for individual characteristics. Time is short, and we can't go into too much detail. But I can say that I am satisfied with the training so far and the players' reaction. "

Is there an imperative to win, given the first two qualifying matches?

"We put the greatest imperative on ourselves; of course, we go for the victory in every game. But, unfortunately, those first two games went to the other team. There was a lack of luck. However, the most important thing is what awaits us - Sweden is a good team, but I think that with this roster, with the experience brought by some players, we have more options, and I believe we will prepare well and believe in victory." 

Captain Kruslin received a similar question - Is there any pressure before the games?

"Pressure in sports is normal; it is nothing new or different. We need to get the first two games off the sidelines. It’s something that happened and something we can’t change. We have a new opportunity, I am sure we are competitive, and we can win both games. It is not disputed that they have a good team, but so do we. Of course, playing for the national team always carries some pressure, but it's all part of the sport."

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

February 21, 2022 - On Sunday night, most of the Croatia men's senior basketball team gathered in Zagreb ahead of the 2nd round of 2023 World Cup qualifications. 

On Friday, February 25, at 18:30, the Croatia national team will begin the second qualifying round for the 2023 World Cup, played in Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, with a match against Sweden. It will be the official debut of coach Damir Mulaomerović, who gathered most of the national team on Sunday, just one day after the Krešimir Ćosić Cup final, but also Cup matches across Europe.

"The situation is not great, but I'm glad to see you guys," said the honest coach and continued:

"Tomorrow, we will complete the evening training. The most important thing is to mobilize in this short time. The guys are all in the training process of their clubs, and all are in good shape. I hope for that in these practically three and a half training sessions, and for the rest, I don’t care. I know everyone will give 100%. We have a tough match ahead of us on Friday, both mentally and physically. My job is to prepare them mentally, and we will go physically to the maximum."

Marin Sušić/HKS

Thirteen national team members gathered in Zagreb on Sunday evening, and the arrival of Željko Šakić and Matej Rudan is expected on Monday. Only 12 national team players will play against Sweden. The list of 24 national team players can change for the match that will be played three days later in Norrkoping, Sweden. 

National team list for Zagreb preparations

Roko Badžim – Szolnoki
Danko Branković – KK Cibona
Filip Bundović – KK Cedevita Junor
Mateo Drežnjak – KK Cibona
Goran Filipović - KK Cedevita Junior
Lovro Gnjidić – KK Cibona
Filip Krušlin - Dinamo Sassari
Pavle Marčinković – KK Zadar
Karlo Matković - Mega Mozzart
Ivan Ramljak - Slask Wroclaw
Roko Rogić – Twarde Pierniki Torun
Matej Rudan – Mega Mozzart
Sven Smajlagić - Nevezis
Željko Šakić - Avtodor
Tomislav Zubčić - Tofaş S.K.

2023 World Cup qualifying matches, 2nd cycle
February 25, 2022, at 18:30 Croatia - Sweden (KC Dražen Petrović, Zagreb)
February 28, 2022, at 19:00 Sweden - Croatia (Norrkoping)
*Tickets for the home match against Sweden are on sale at ulaznice.hr and both matches will be broadcast live by SportKlub. 

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

November 15, 2020 - Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic addressed the press after Croatia's defeat to Sweden on Saturday evening in Solna. 

Zlatko Dalic, the Croatia national team coach, held a press conference after the UEFA Nations League match between Sweden and Croatia in Solna (2:1).

Sweden was the better opponent

"Congratulations to Sweden on the win; they were better than us, especially in the first half, when we didn't respond to their aggressiveness, speed, and mobility. That was our problem. In the second half, we were better, more aggressive, and more compact, but that wasn't enough. Then we showed will and energy; that's the positive thing about this game."

No surprises

"Sweden didn't surprise me, they showed us a good game in Zagreb, and they lacked a bit of luck against Portugal and France. They have good individuals, and they played well as a team."

We need to fix the impression of Croatia

"Portugal and France already know their positions, but they are great teams and will not relax in the last round. We must try to improve the impression of us and the result and try to beat Portugal. Our goal is to stay in the elite group, it is vital to us as World Cup finalists, and we will do everything to stay."

Dejan Kulusevski

"He was justifiably named the player of the match; he showed great quality. Sweden has a great individual who can play in several positions, and he is also good at Juventus. He is young and will play at a high level for years; he impressed me."

Problems for Croatia

"We're slowly going into a generational shift; we're having problems. It's not an easy time for us, we've been missing seven or eight first-teamers, and we can't wait for all this to end."

Source: HNS

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

November 14, 2020 -  Sweden tops Croatia 2:1 in Solna on Saturday in their penultimate Nations League match of Group 3. 

Sweden and Croatia fought to maintain their status in the elite group of Nations League on Saturday. Sweden went into Saturday's match in the last place without points, while Croatia was in third with 3 points. 

Croatia was fortunate to see some crucial players return to the lineup for this match, including starting goalkeeper Dominik Livaković and striker Bruno Petković.

Dalic's starting 11 thus included: Livaković, Uremović, Ćaleta-Car, Pongračić, Barišić - Kovačić, Modrić - Vlašić, Brekalo, Perišić - Budimir.

Croatia's first attack of the game happened already in the 2nd minute. Nikola Vlašić received the ball on the edge of the penalty area, and instead of taking the shot, he backheeled to Modrić. Unfortunately, the Sweden defense was there to clear the ball.

Sweden had their first dangerous attack four minutes later, though a brilliant Livaković save kept the score even. Sweden continued attacking, and a corner in the 12th minute was luckily cleared by Croatia's defense. Forsberg had a shot on goal in the 15th, forcing Livaković to save the day, again.

Croatia struggled to maintain possession in the first 20 minutes of the match, and Sweden continued aggressively with their attacking play.

Croatia received their first corner in the 20th minute, which Modrić played short. Brekalo had one of Croatia's first shots on goal moments later.

A quick attack by Brekalo and Perišić put Sweden's keeper to work again, and ultimately resulted in a corner. Croatia starting waking up. 

Uremović fouled Forsberg just outside the box for a dangerous free kick in the 27th minute, which Livaković cleared out for a corner. Sweden remained in Croatia's box for the three minutes that followed. 

Duje Ćaleta-Car received a yellow card in the 34th minute, meaning he misses the match against Portugal in Split on Tuesday. 

Unfortunately, Kulusevski danced around Croatia's defense to score for 1:0 in the 36th minute. 

In the 41st minute, Uremović came off with an injury, and Josip Juranović entered the game.

Just before halftime, Danielson increased Sweden's lead to 2:0. 

The second half started with no changes for Croatia. 

Croatia picked up their game at the start of the second half and was consistently pressing Sweden's defense. However, no plays were coming to fruition thanks to a solid Sweden defense.

Sweden blew a huge chance to increase their lead yet again in the 62nd minute. Pašalić was subbed on for Budimir in the 63rd. 

Another quick counter by Sweden saw Forsberg shoot over the crossbar, and Perišić saved Sweden from scoring another goal in the 68th. 

Croatia kept falling short and failed to connect passes in the attack. 

In the 76th minute, Dalic made three substitutions - Petković, Melnjak, and Rog were subbed on for Brekalo, Kovačić, and Pogrančić.

And finally, a miracle in the 80th minute - a Danielson own-goal made the game 2:1! Alas, there was hope for Croatia. 

In the final minutes of the match, Sweden had far too many chances for another goal, but Livaković remained solid and kept the net clear. Vlašić failed to capitalize on a brilliant ball across the box from Juranović in the 88th. 

With three minutes added time, Croatia was unable to play for the draw. A last-minute shot for Vlašić was saved by the Sweden keeper. The match ended 2:1 for Sweden. 

As it stands now, Croatia remains in third place in Group 3. 

Croatia and Portugal will meet in their final Nations League match on Tuesday at Poljud Stadium in Split. 

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

October 11, 2020 - Croatia tops Sweden 2:1 in their 3rd-round Nations League match on Sunday at Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb.

Croatia continued their Nations League campaign on Sunday against Sweden, a team they didn't meet back in September. Croatia and Sweden met in rainy Zagreb at Maksimir Stadium at 6 pm. 

Coach Zlatko Dalic unveiled a slightly different lineup for this match, featuring Livakovic in goal, Melnjak, Caleta-Car, Lovren, and Uremovic in the back, Brozovic, Vlasic, Modric and Kovacic across the midfield, and Perisic and Brekalo up top.

Before this match, Croatia had played Sweden four times - in a friendly in 2003, in World Cup qualifiers in 2004 and 2005, and in another friendly in 2012, which is the only time they lost. 

The match began with heavy rain and a quick yellow card for Mateo Kovacic, who was cautioned in the first minute of play. While Sweden pressured Croatia's goal within the first five minutes, Croatia picked up the pace and Brekalo even scored an offside goal in the 10th minute. The wet pitch certainly made things more difficult.

Modric had a chance in the 18th minute, which was saved by Sweden goalkeeper Olsen, though it didn't stop him from shooting again moments later, albeit over the goal. 

Slobodan Kadic

Sweden had their first real opportunity when Kulusevci shot in the 24th minute, though it was no problem for Livakovic to save. Vlasic took a chance at Sweden's goal two minutes later.

However, Croatia and Nikola finally got their chance. A brilliant play by Modric at the midfield line saw Croatia attack up the pitch. Brekalo found the boot of Vlasic who scored for 1:0 in the 32nd minute!

Slobodan Kadic

Vlasic shot again off a Modric corner found him just outside the top of the box, though he hit over the goal in the 38th minute. The game ended 1:0 at the half.

Unfortunately, the weather only worsened at the start of the second half, and we could only hope that the already weak Maksimir pitch wouldn't flood. 

Croatia came out aggressively in the first few minutes, though it was Sweden to threaten Croatia's goal in the 50th minute. What was nearly an own goal by Lovren was saved by Livakovic on the goal line to keep Croatia in the lead. Sweden, however, called for a penalty as it looked as though there was a Croatia handball in the box.

Brekalo had a great chance in the 52nd minute, which went wide of the goal for a corner.  

Sweden had another excellent chance in the 56th minute from a free-kick which Livakovic tipped over the goal then caught it to ensure Croatia's lead. 

Pasalic was subbed on for Kovacic in the 60th minute.

A rocket from Perisic's right boot saw the Sweden keeper make a difficult save for a Croatia corner in the 61st minute. 

Slobodan Kadic

A quick Sweden counter-attack in the 65th minute saw Berg even the score for 1:1. The goal certainly gave Sweden momentum, as they picked up their game considerably in the minutes that followed. 

Andrej Kramaric and Domagoj Bradaric were subbed on for Brekalo and Melnjak in the 74th minute. 

Thankfully, Kramaric brought Croatia the luck they needed. In the 83rd minute, Perisic found Kramaric unmarked in the box, who scored for the Croatia lead! The game was now 2:1.

Slobodan Kadic

A dangerous play by Sweden in the 89th minute could have leveled the result again, but Livakovic was solid in goal. The referee added 4 minutes, in which Sweden was unable to score. The match ended 2:1 for Croatia!

In their 4th-round match, Croatia will meet France on Wednesday in Zagreb at 8:45 pm. 

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January 26, 2019 - The Croatia handball team met Sweden for the 5th place game of the World Handball Championship on Saturday. 

January 24, 2019 - In the semi-final of the World Handball Championship, Germany will play Norway and Denmark will play France on Friday in Hamburg. The Croatia handball team will play for fifth place against Sweden in Herning on Saturday. 

In the first game after the European Championship in Croatia, the Croatia handball team was defeated by Sweden.