February 4, 2021 - After a six-year drought, the Croatia women's basketball team will take part in the European Championship after beating Germany 80-66 (18-23, 23-11, 24-11, 15-21) in the decisive qualifying match played on Thursday in the Latvian capital Riga. 

Gol.hr reports that Iva Slonjšak, who scored 23 points with 10 rebounds, and Ivana Dojkić, who played all 40 minutes and finished with 23 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and three steals, played the best for Croatia. The experienced Marija Režan dominated under the basket with 17 points, six rebounds, and two blocks. Lea Miletic recorded 10 points.

Luisa Geiselsoder was the best for Germany with 21 points and nine rebounds.

Croatia did not open the game well, even though a lot weighed on their victory - it would bring them to the European Championship for the first time since 2015. Germany took a 6-0 lead and maintained the advantage until the middle of the first quarter when they led by 12-points (21-9) in the 6th minute.

However, by the end of the first quarter, Stipe Bralić's team significantly raised their defensive aggression, allowing Germany only two more baskets. With a few steals and successful counterattacks, Croatia was only behind by five points (18-23).

Croatia continued to dominate in the second quarter, and in the 13th minute, they caught up to Germany for the first time (25-25). In the 16th minute, they reached their biggest advantage yet (34-27). Entering the last minute of the first half, Croatia was up by 9 (41-32), but Germany went into halftime just seven points behind (41-34).

Just as was the case in the second quarter, Bralić's side was powerful in the third quarter, again limiting Germany to only 11 points. The defense worked flawlessly, and Iva Slonjšak, Ivana Dojkić, and the experienced Marija Režan were excellent in the attack. Croatia entered the last ten minutes of the game up by 20 (65-45).

Germany threatened in the last quarter, reducing Croatia's lead to only seven points (73-66) two and a half minutes before the end. Ivana Dojkić sealed Croatia's victory and a spot at the European Championship, held from June 17 to 27 in Spain and France.

On Saturday, Germany will fight against the host Latvia for second place, which could bring them to the final tournament. The five best second-placed national teams from nine groups will play at EuroBasket.

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