November 12, 2021 - Croatia women's basketball convincingly topped Bulgaria 73-84 in Botevgrad in the first qualifying match for the 2023 European Championship (EuroBasket).

After the first quarter, Bulgaria gained an advantage of 5 points (27-22). This was followed by a great opening of the second quarter for Croatia and a 10-0 series for an express takeover (27-32). By halftime, Stipe Bralić's team was up by 10 (38-48).

The third quarter was marked by the attacking play of both teams. After Andrijana Cvitković's three-pointer, Croatia was up 49-63, and Bulgaria fought back with a series of 5-0 for 54-63. Vital points were then scored by Iva Slonjšak, and Croatia entered the last quarter leading Croatia 59-70.

The minor attacking crisis at the opening of the final quarter was compensated by an excellent defense, so three minutes without points did not affect the result. Croatia had their most significant advantage during the game at 61-76. Bulgaria scored 4 points in a row and, with an aggressive defense, made Croatia nervous. However, no one could stop Andrijana Cvitković. With a new three-pointer, she took Croatia to an unattainable +14 (68-82). By the end, Bulgaria had only managed to mitigate the defeat to 73-84.

Coach Stipe Bralić: "Tough match, we practically gathered 14 players from 14 clubs across Europe with two to three training sessions and played against the home team of Bulgaria, a hugely well-coordinated team. Bulgaria has been playing in the same team for seven or eight years; most of their players are from two home clubs, they had a week of training together before this game, and that was obvious. 

They have extremely good shooters, they hit everything in the first 10 minutes, and it was not easy to get out of that situation. However, with great actions and a pretty good attack in the second quarter, we managed to break the game with counters and three-pointers and take the 10-point lead. In the second half, that advantage was maintained, but, I say, it was a very awkward game to start the qualifications against a solid and experienced team. Nevertheless, the girls died on the field, even when we were losing by a few points, they didn't lose their head, but showed their quality."

Captain Ivana Dojkić: "We played a good game; I'm proud of all the girls. I think we lost focus in just a few moments and didn't keep the game in our hands. But we are a young team, we need to work on it, and with more experience in the future, we play smart in situations like this. I am positively surprised with the new girls in the national team; all the girls who came in from the bench gave extra energy, which we need - that everyone can contribute to our game. We always gain confidence with a victory, but on Sunday, we will have a tough game. We have nothing to lose; we will play a quality game and enjoy what we are doing."

Iva Slonjšak: "The first quarter was not at our level, but then we started waking up and playing our game. Today, we were not constant, but I am happy with the larger number of players who reached a double-double. Now we have to see what things need to be corrected to prepare for Serbia."

Andrijana Cvitković: "It was quite a difficult end due to several personal mistakes, but we managed to fight and play smart without fouls, which was important to keep the rhythm of the game. Most importantly, we managed to win. Serbia is waiting for us; we all know that it will be a tough match. Every girl needs to be ready; let's do our best and hope, of course, for the best."

Source: HKS

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

June 21, 2021 - Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina will meet in the EuroBasket Women 2021 quarter-final qualifying match tonight at 18:00!

In the most important group stage match at the European Women's Basketball Championship, Croatia defeated the Czech Republic 84-56 in Strasbourg on Sunday and will play the qualifying match for the quarterfinals, where they will meet the national team of Bosnia & Herzegovina, reports HKS.

After the initial test of strength, Croatia took the lead 27-17 on the wings of the playful trio Dojkić - Slonjšak - Tikvić. In the final 50 seconds of the first quarter, the Czechs halved the score (27-22).

The Croatia crisis lasted in the opening five minutes of the third quarter in which they allowed their opponents to return to the game (29-29). Coach Stipe Bralić used two time-outs. After the second, Ivana Dojkić immediately scored a three-pointer. It was a sign of a new onslaught for Croatia who returned to plus 10 (31-41).

In the third quarter, Croatia's advantage grew from minute to minute, and they played the best basketball of their championship so far. In the 25th minute, it was +22 (34-56) and at the beginning of the last quarter +27 (45-72). No one could stop the Croatian machine that came back from being heavily defeated by France (-42) at the opening of the championship.

Ivana Dojkić (24 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds), Iva Slonjšak (18 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists), Ivana Tikvić (17 points, 8 rebounds), and Ana-Marija Begić (13 points, 10 rebounds) were the best players on the court. The others complimented them brilliantly for a great and well-deserved celebration.

Coach Stipe Bralić did not hide his satisfaction after the victory and optimism before the match against Bosnia & Herzegovina:

"We played stably and calmly with good shots and quality play in attack, and firmly and strongly in defense. The Czechs didn't stand a chance. This is the first victory of the Croatia women's national team against the Czech Republic since independence. It is important to have a good rest and surprise tomorrow against Bosnia, stop their American Jones, who is probably the best player in the world, and place among the eight best, which would be a phenomenal success. The girls will do their best and with a little luck, I hope for success," Bralić emphasized.

National team members Ivana Dojkić and Iva Slonjšak are also optimistic.

"We did our best in defense and attack. Every girl who came in gave me extra energy and I'm really proud of all the girls and that's how we should continue," said Dojkić, whose words were followed by Slonjšak:

"Tomorrow against Bosnia & Herzegovina we need the same energy. Let's go for all or nothing. I believe that the players, as they are today, will do their job. Let's do the best we can."

The two teams meet tonight at 18:00. 

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

To learn more about sport in Croatia, CLICK HERE.