A clinical Croatian side produced an outstanding fightback in the final quarter to beat Ireland 78-76 at the National Arena in Tallaght tonight. Ireland were in front for most of the game and a superb third quarter saw them open up a 12-point gap going into the final period and a home win seemed certain.
However, the Irish could only watch with growing horror as Croatia outscored them 23-9 in the final period, taking the lead for the first time since early in the second quarter with just two minutes remaining and, despite a three pointer from Ireland's Bill Donlon, they held on for victory, inflicting on the Irish their second successive defeat of the semi-final round.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
