Simon says Croatia still have much to prove

RIO DE JANEIRO (Rio 2016 Olympic Games) - The performance that Croatia displayed at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Turin last month was inspirational.

The team defeated heavyweights Greece in the Semi-Finals and hosts Italy in the Final to claim first place and a spot in the Rio de Janeiro Games.

Now Croatia are in Brazil and veteran guard Krunoslav Simon has spoken to FIBA.com just a couple of days before the team's opening clash with Spain.

FIBA.com: The OQT in Turin finished on 9 July. Are you guys still in your rhythm?
Krunoslav Simon: It's hard to say. It's not the same to play these friendly games and now, the Olympic Games are starting. I hope we're in good shape. We'll soon see.

FIBA.com: Great showing by Croatia in Italy but Rio is going to be a higher level of competition.
Krunoslav Simon: Yes, of course. But it's a big thing to achieve and come here. It was huge to beat the Greeks and Italy over there but these are the best players in the world here in Rio and the competition will be strong. I hope we are good enough to play with everybody.

FIBA.com: When did you start to believe that you had a chance to qualify for Rio?
Krunoslav Simon: Look, it was hard because at the beginning, we weren't supposed to be at the OQT because we had finished ninth (at EuroBasket 2015) but when we got that chance to play, it was a great opportunity for us and from the first moment, we were sure that we could do it. You couldn't say that 100 percent we would be at the Olympic Games. We knew we had a chance and did everything we could to get here.

FIBA.com: Where does the experience of winning the OQT in Italy, beating the hosts in the Final, rank in importance in your career?
Krunoslav Simon: It's the greatest moment of my basketball life. Things like that, you will remember for the rest of your life. Now that we are here, I'm hoping that I'll have another few moments like that.

FIBA.com: The first game for Croatia at the Olympics in Group B is against Spain, a team you know well. Are you nervous or anxious? Can you guys beat them?
Krunoslav Simon: They're a strong team. They're one of the biggest favorites to get a medal. But we know them well, they're all great players that play in great teams. But we're not afraid. Even if we lose, it's only the first game. There will be four games left so there's not big pressure on us for the first game.

FIBA.com: Is everyone suddenly talking about basketball in Croatia after what happened in Turin?
Krunoslav Simon: I would love to say that's the case but it's not true. It's a good thing, though, we did something great. People do expect us to do something great here now but it will be hard.

FIBA.com: So for people to really believe in this team, Croatia need to have a strong performance in Rio?
Krunoslav Simon: Yes, I'm afraid so.

FIBA