Croatia vs France FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers How To Watch

• → Tipoff February 21, 2025, 20:00 CET.
• → Match to be played at the Jazine Arena, Zadar, Croatia.
• → Croatia need a big win to stay in the game for FIBA EuroBasket 2025.

As the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers reach their decisive stages, Croatia welcomes France to Zadar in a matchup that could define the trajectory of both teams. France, sitting at 4-0, is on the verge of securing their place in the tournament, needing just one more victory to guarantee qualification. Croatia, at 2-2, faces a far more complex challenge—they not only need to win but must do so by at least 13 points to claim the tiebreaker advantage over Les Bleus.

In their previous meeting in Brest, France secured a 73-61 victory, largely on the back of their defense, limiting Croatia to 37.3% shooting from the field. Jaleen Smith and Mario Hezonja had a tough night offensively, combining for just 4-for-15 from three, while France’s balanced scoring attack and superior execution down the stretch allowed them to pull away. Guerschon Yabusele and Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot were instrumental, while Matthias Lessort anchored the interior—though he will be a major absence this time around following his season-ending injury suffered against Baskonia.

Croatia has called in their strongest available squad, with Mario Hezonja leading the way alongside Luka Šamanić and Danko Branković, providing size and versatility. Hezonja has been Croatia’s most reliable offensive weapon in this qualifying campaign, averaging 23.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, including a dominant display against Cyprus in November. His ability to score at all three levels will be crucial if Croatia is to break down France’s defensive schemes.

France, even without Evan Fournier (personal reasons) and Jaylen Hoard (injury), has plenty of firepower. Théo Maledon, who has been enjoying an excellent season with ASVEL in the EuroLeague, is expected to take on a leading role. Maledon has been one of France’s most promising guards, thriving in pick-and-roll situations and proving his ability to control the tempo. He will be supported by Isaïa Cordinier, Elie Okobo, and Vincent Poirier, all experienced at the highest level of European basketball.

A key storyline will be the battle between Hezonja and Maledon, two players who faced off in EuroLeague action earlier this season. When Maledon’s ASVEL defeated Hezonja’s Real Madrid 80-78 in December, the French guard played a starring role with 23 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds, carving up Madrid’s defense with his quick first step and decision-making. Hezonja had a solid offensive outing with 19 points, but struggled from deep, shooting 2-for-10 from beyond the arc. That night, Maledon got the better of the duel—this time, Hezonja will be desperate to turn the tables.

For France, a win means business as usual—they would officially qualify and could shift focus to their final group game against Bosnia and Herzegovina without pressure. For Croatia, this is as close to must-win as it gets. A loss would leave them in a precarious position heading into the last round of qualifiers. The home crowd in Zadar will demand a response, but whether Croatia can overcome France’s depth and structure remains to be seen.

Where to Watch Croatia vs. France – FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers

👉 Watch Croatia vs France live from Zadar on Courtside 1891 with a MAX Annual subscription or an event pass.

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