Croatia defeated Israel with a score of 85-71 to secure their second victory in the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
Croatia got off to the best possible start, opening the game with a 12–0 run. However, Roman Sorkin stepped up for Israel, bringing them fully back into the game, and the first quarter ended tied at 25–25. In the second quarter, the lead changed hands several times, but Croatia went into the break ahead, 47–42.
In the second half, the visitors started with a 9–0 run. However, this time Israel couldn’t find a way back into the game, and Croatia’s lead continued to grow. Already in great form, Mario Hezonja (19 points and 13 rebounds) was joined by young Michail Ruzic (23 points and 9 rebounds) and experienced Luka Bozic (11 points), extending Croatia’s advantage to as much as 21 points. Despite a strong performance from Sorkin (20 points), it wasn’t enough for Israel, and the final score was 85–71 in favor of Croatia.
Claim Now What will particularly excite basketball fans in Croatia is the fantastic performance of young Ruzic. The Joventut player came just one rebound short of a double-double, and alongside Hezonja, he was one of the key contributors to this victory, despite being only 19 years old.
Croatia and Germany are tied for first place with two wins each, while Israel and Cyprus are still winless.
Meanwhile, in Group F, Poland defeated the Netherlands 85–83 in a thrilling finish.
Although the Netherlands got off to a strong start and led from the middle of the first quarter—at one point holding a 21-point advantage—Poland, led by Mateusz Ponitka, managed to turn the game around and secure the win in a thrilling finish. For the Netherlands, Yannick Franke led the way with 26 points, while Keye Van Der Vuurst added 18. On the visiting side, besides Ponitka, Jerrick Harding also had an excellent performance, contributing 17 points.
What did that young man have for breakfast?
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) December 1, 2025
19-year-old Michael Ruzic (23 PTS) is balling right now for Croatia 🇭🇷 #FIBAWC x #StepItUp pic.twitter.com/jNhRDctlPo
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