Croatia could hardly have asked for a better start to the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers. In front of an energized crowd at Krešimir Ćosić Hall in Zadar, Tomislav Mijatović’s team overwhelmed Latvia 115–80 in a performance that combined offensive efficiency, depth and control from the opening minutes. More importantly, the victory strengthened Croatia’s grip on one of the three qualifying places in Group K and provided further evidence that this team is beginning to build real momentum on the road to Qatar.
Croatia entered the second round with a 5–1 record, level with Germany and in a strong position after the results carried over from the opening phase. Latvia, meanwhile, arrived in Zadar at 3–3 and badly needed a positive result to remain close to the leading group. FIBA had identified the game as one of the key matchups of the August window, particularly because Croatia have not appeared at the last two World Cups and are determined to end that absence in 2027.
From the opening possession, Croatia played as though they understood exactly what was at stake. Mario Hezonja set the tone immediately, scoring eight early points as the hosts raced to a 14–4 advantage midway through the first quarter. Latvia briefly responded through back-to-back three-pointers from Kristers Zoriks to reduce the deficit to 17–14, but Mijatović called timeout and Croatia quickly regained control. Karlo Matković provided energy from the bench and helped close the opening period with Croatia comfortably ahead 23–14.
The second quarter turned a promising start into complete Croatian control. Matković continued to cause problems around the rim, while Toni Nakić, Dominik Mavra and Luka Božić gave the offense multiple scoring options. When Hezonja returned after a spell on the bench, Croatia accelerated again. The advantage reached 49–34 before Nakić hit another three-pointer and Ivica Zubac added two free throws. Hezonja then scored his 14th point of the night to send Croatia into halftime with a commanding 60–41 lead.
What made Croatia’s performance particularly impressive was the variety of its offense. Latvia could not focus on one action or one player. Hezonja remained the primary threat, but Matković was devastating in pick-and-roll situations, Mavra controlled the tempo, Božić attacked with confidence and Nakić punished open looks from the perimeter. Croatia moved the ball patiently, attacked mismatches and consistently found high-percentage opportunities.
The numbers underline how effective the hosts were. Croatia shot 66 percent from the field and an extraordinary 81 percent on two-point attempts. They also made nine of 21 three-pointers and repeatedly forced Latvia into difficult defensive decisions. Croatia finished with 24 assists and were able to attack the free-throw line throughout the night, another sign of how consistently they managed to break down the Latvian defense.
There was no drop in intensity after halftime. Croatia pushed the advantage beyond 20 points on the first possession of the third quarter and twice reached a 30-point lead, at 80–50 and 82–52. By the end of the period, the hosts were ahead 85–57 and the competitive part of the evening was effectively over. Mijatović was then able to distribute minutes across the roster, with all 12 Croatian players eventually getting on the scoresheet.
Hezonja finished as Croatia’s leading scorer with 28 points and also recorded seven assists, delivering another authoritative performance after his outstanding displays at the Supercup in Hamburg. Matković was equally impressive, scoring 17 points without missing a field-goal attempt, while Božić also finished with 17. Mavra added 12 points and six assists as Croatia once again demonstrated that its offensive production does not have to depend entirely on its established NBA and EuroLeague names.
That depth may prove increasingly important as the qualification campaign progresses. Dario Šarić and Ivica Zubac combined for only eight points against Latvia, yet Croatia still scored 115. In previous international windows, a quiet scoring night from two of the team’s most experienced players might have created major problems. In Zadar, others simply stepped forward.
There was also an emotional dimension to the evening. Before tip-off, Croatia officially honored Bojan Bogdanović following the end of his playing career. One of the most important Croatian players of his generation received a standing ovation from the crowd and embraces from the national team players, providing a symbolic link between a generation that carried Croatia for years and the group now attempting to bring the country back to the World Cup stage.
Later in the game, another strong connection with the Zadar crowd emerged through Luka Božić. After scoring through contact in his familiar aggressive style, the local favorite was greeted with chants of “MVP” from the stands, with his teammates joining the celebration. Božić later described the moment as highly emotional, emphasizing how special it was to perform for the national team in the city he considers home.
For Mijatović, however, the most encouraging part of the evening went beyond shooting percentages or individual performances. Croatia maintained its concentration and physical intensity despite building a huge advantage. The head coach stressed afterward that his players did not relax mentally or physically and continued to play with maximum effort until the end. That approach mattered because point difference can become significant in international qualification scenarios, something Ivica Zubac also highlighted after the game.
Latvia arrived in Zadar with a significantly altered roster and without several of its biggest names, but Croatia still had to take advantage of the opportunity. They did so decisively. Rihards Lomažs led Latvia with 23 points, Artūrs Strautiņš added 20 and Zoriks scored 15, but the visitors never found a sustained defensive answer once Croatia established its rhythm. Latvia shot just 29 percent from three-point range, while Croatia’s superior size and offensive efficiency gradually turned the contest into a one-sided affair.
The significance of the victory becomes even clearer when viewed through the Group K standings. The second round consists of six teams, with all first-round results carried forward, and only the top three nations in each group will qualify for the World Cup. Croatia’s victory improved its record to 6–1 while Latvia dropped to 3–4, creating valuable separation between the two teams in the race for Qatar.
Croatia’s qualifying campaign has also developed an increasingly recognizable identity. The team has shown it can win in several different ways. Against Turkey in Hamburg, it survived a double-digit deficit and needed a dramatic Hezonja game-winner. Against Germany, it showed resilience despite defeat. Against Latvia, there was no need for a comeback or late-game heroics. Croatia simply imposed its quality from the beginning and never allowed the opponent to believe an upset was possible.
That progression may be the most encouraging aspect of Mijatović’s work. Croatia are no longer relying on one type of game or one individual solution. Hezonja can dominate as a scorer, Zubac can control the paint, Šarić can dictate possession from several positions, while players such as Matković, Božić, Mavra and Badžim have shown that they can produce meaningful contributions when given responsibility.
The job, however, was not finished in Zadar. Croatia’s attention immediately shifted to the next qualifier against the Netherlands, with Matković and the rest of the group stressing the importance of maintaining the same mentality. The victory over Latvia created an excellent position, but qualification would still have to be earned over the remaining windows.
Still, nights like this change the atmosphere around a national team. Croatia did not merely beat Latvia. They dominated an important World Cup qualifier, scored 115 points, received contributions throughout the roster and gave a packed Zadar crowd another reason to believe that a return to basketball’s biggest global stage is becoming increasingly realistic.
After missing the previous two World Cups, Croatia can now see Qatar much more clearly on the horizon. There is still work to do, but the route is becoming shorter — and after a performance this convincing, the confidence surrounding this team is growing just as quickly.
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