ATHENS (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament) – Germany got 30 points and 13 rebounds from Dirk Nowitzki but Croatia overcame his heroic performance and won the semi-final at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament on Saturday in Athens to reach the Beijing Games.

Looking to return to the glory days that once saw greats like Toni Kukoc and the late Drazen Petrovic make Croatia one of the best basketball countries in the world, Jasmin Repesa’s team won 76-70 to secure a place in China.

"It's a dream come true,” said Croatia guard Marko Popovic.

“This is a great success, a great gift for us, but we are not going to go to Beijing as tourists.

"We are going to go out and play. But first, we will celebrate.

"I am probably the happiest guy in the world right now.”

Croatia watched Germany come back from 12 points down to lead 49-47 at the end of the third quarter.

Repesa’s men kept their poise, though.

A three-pointer from Davor Kus followed a pair of Nikola Prkacin baskets, the second of which was a three-point play, to give the Croatians a 55-50 lead and they stayed in front the rest of the way.

Germany pushed Croatia until the end, however.

Dirk Bauermann’s team had a chance after fouling Kus with 34 seconds to go.

He made the first for a 70-67 lead, but missed the second.

Germany failed to get the rebound and they had to foul to stop the clock.

Marko Tomas, who had a team-high 21 points for Croatia, made one of two for a four-point lead and they held on.

"Germany is a great team with a special player, probably one of the best in the world and we are just happy that we beat them,” Popovic said.

FIBA