Croatian NT for Eurobasket 2009

[rikhardur]

Croatia Target The Medals





If Croatia are going to build on the momentum of their sixth-place finish at this summer's Olympics, the national side will have to beat some very good teams at next year's EuroBasket in Poland.



On Saturday, Croatia discovered they would go up against fellow Olympic quarter-finalists Greece, along with Israel and FYROM in Group A.



"We've always awaited draws with attention, but this one was different," Croatia sharpshooter Marko Popovic said.



"We're aware of our own qualities and almost immediately after the draw was made, we started to think about the second phase of the EuroBasket.



"Since we'll join teams from Group B, where one participant is still unknown until the last phase of qualifications, my wish is that Italy earn the place so we can meet them in Poland."



Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Portugal, Belgium and Finland will play in the Additional Qualifying Round with the one spot still open in Group B.



Davor Kus had a great summer with Croatia and has carried his good form into the club campaign with Cibona Zagreb.



Kus says there is no reason why Croatia cannot dream of gold.



"As usual, you can't do anything before the draw but after it has been made, you have to face all opponents with the same wish, with the same enthusiasm if you want to reach your goals," Kus said.



"And, if we play on the same level we've played this summer (in Athens and Beijing), I think we are capable of defeating every single rival."



Tau Ceramica center Stanko Barac played in Athens and Beijing and he figures to be in the mix for Poland.



"Sincerely, the draw is not so important," he said.



"It's who'll accept the invitation to play for Croatia that is important.



"If all of our best players say ‘Yes, I'll come and play for my national team', then we'll have a chance to fight for a medal in Poland."



One of those "best players" is Sasha Vujcic, and he appears ready to make a comeback.



The former national team captain hasn't played for the national side since EuroBasket 2005.



"As Vujcic said he'll once again be in our national team, I can say that we will go to EuroBasket with one single goal: to reach one of three medals there," Popovic said.

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