Croatia with four victories in the quarterfinals, the locker room is filled with the hit song of the Dirty Theater

Croatia advanced to the quarterfinals of the U-18 European Basketball Championship with four victories, including a dominant 107-60 win over Norway. The team, led by coach Luka Kralj, showcased their strength in group play before facing Poland in the quarterfinals in Rijeka at 18:00 local time. This match holds particular significance for Croatia as the host nation, with a loss potentially extending their stay outside the elite tier of competition. The Croatian squad began their campaign with a convincing victory over Norway, demonstrating early dominance that set the tone for the rest of the tournament. They followed this with three close matches, defeating Switzerland 87-81, Romania 88-83, and Montenegro 68-59. In the final game against Montenegro, while the defense was commendable, the offensive performance was less impressive. Montenegro shot just 3 of 19 from beyond the arc, a 16 percent success rate, compared to Croatia’s 17.7 percent (3 of 17). Despite this, key players contributed significantly to the victory. Patrik Dorotić stood out as the team's leading scorer with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Tomislav Vučković added 14 points, two three-pointers, and three blocks. Josip Šantro chipped in with 10 points, and Martin Salamunić, a product of Split-based training, delivered 13 points and five rebounds. Salamunić emerged as the most valuable player of the tournament with 18.8 efficiency rating points, followed by Dorotić (17.8) and Šantro (16.8). He also ranked among the top performers in scoring, averaging 12.5 points per game, and excelled in rebounding with 5.3 boards per contest, trailing only Šantro (6.3) and Dorotić (8.8). Salamunić, along with Vučković, proved to be the most efficient shooters on the team. His performance has raised questions about the decision by Cibona, his former club, to release him during the season due to illness. With such a high level of contribution, it seems the club may have underestimated his potential. Zdravko Perić, another standout, played 19.5 minutes per game and averaged 19.5 minutes. While he lost three turnovers per game, his energy and versatility make him a promising prospect. His ability to contribute despite occasional mistakes highlights his value to the team. During celebrations after games, the team incorporated a version of the song “Ne zovi, mama, doktora” by Prljavog Kazališta, which has become an unofficial anthem for the squad. The choice reflects a blend of national pride and youthful exuberance, symbolizing the team's identity and spirit. The Croatian team will now face Poland in the quarterfinals, a crucial test that could determine their path forward in the tournament. Their performance so far suggests they are well-prepared, with a mix of individual brilliance and team cohesion. As the match approaches, all eyes will be on Rijeka to see how the young stars perform under pressure.