The fourth FIBA World Cup 2027 qualifying window opened with the heavyweights delivering. Germany and Croatia opened the second phase of Group K with convincing victories that leave them at 6-1, while Poland defended its unbeaten leader status in a matchday that serves as a preview to Spain's debut this Thursday in Zaragoza.
Schröder Leads Germany's Way
Germany dispatched the Netherlands 99-83 with a flawless display from Dennis Schröder: 23 points without a miss—5 of 5 from two-point range and 7 of 7 from the free throw line—six assists and two steals from the point guard who switched from Cleveland to Charlotte this month. Oscar da Silva added 15 points and five rebounds, and Isaac Bonga contributed 13, while for the Dutch, Yannick Franke shone with 24 points and six three-pointers, and Rienk Mast chipped in 17.
Hezonja in Steamroller Mode
Croatia was even more dominant: 115-80 over Latvia with Mario Hezonja as a force of nature. The small forward, well known to Spanish fans from his years at Real Madrid and fresh reinforcement for the Cavaliers, posted 28 points on 8 of 13 shooting—perfect, 8 of 8, from two-point range—and seven assists. Karlo Matkovic and Luka Bozic added 17 each, the latter with just one missed shot and a perfect 9 of 9 from the free throw line. For Latvia, little to work with beyond Rihards Lomazs's 23 and Arturs Strautins's 20.
Poland Doesn't Ease Up, with Blaugrana Flair
The leader also left no room for doubt. Poland defeated Israel 106-86 in Riga with 24 points from Mateusz Ponitka and 18 apiece from Jordan Loyd and Aleksander Balcerowski, the center who returned to the EuroLeague this summer with FC Barcelona and continues to build on his excellent form with the national team. The game was decided early: 55-42 at halftime and 80-60 at the end of the third quarter.
Group K standings now read: Poland leads outright at 7-0, Germany and Croatia chase at 6-1, Latvia sits fourth at 3-4, and the Netherlands and Israel close tied at 2-5.
The focus now shifts to Zaragoza: Spain opens its window this Thursday against Portugal, without Aldama and with a 14-player roster, and closes it Monday in Athens against Greece without Giannis.