Spain are gearing up for a major battle against Croatia's in-form NBA stars in their quarter-final showdown on Thursday.

		Croatia's Mario Kasun had 20 points against Italy

The Spanish, who despite their defeat to Israel earned a free pass to the last eight as winners of Group D, watched Croatia beat Olympic silver medalists Italy on Tuesday in the elimination round.

Mario Kasun poured in 20 points for Croatia in their 74-66 win over the Azzurri, but Gordan Giricek of the Utah Jazz and Zoran Planinic of the New Jersey Nets are the dangermen as far as Spanish guard Juan Carlos Navarro is concerned.

"We will have to be extra cautious regarding their NBA duo Giricek and Planinic, who have been outstanding on the perimeter," Navarro said to PA Sport.

"But also against Italy, their interior players such as Kasun stood out and we know that we will be facing a very physical game against Croatia whose main strength is their defensive play."

Spain and Croatia have already met twice this summer in the build-up, with the results suggesting that this will be a very level game as each side won once.

Spanish coach Mario Pesquera believes their pre-tournament encounters will benefit his side.

"The advantage of facing Croatia is that we have already done our homework because of our friendlies against them," he said.

"I'm certain that they will make some changes just as we will.

"For us, it won't be easy to beat Croatia but I can guarantee you that it won't be easy for Croatia to beat us, either."

		“	They beat us when it comes to centimetres	„
		Mario Pesquera

One thing that concerns Pesquera is Croatia's frontcourt players. They are big, and extremely talented.

"They beat us when it comes to centimetres," he said. "That's why we will have to be very focused when it comes to getting rebounds."

The good news for Spain is that they have no injury concerns going into the game.

Croatian head coach Neven Spahija knows this is the moment of truth for his team because they ever so close to accomplishing their pre-tournament aim.

"Our goal is to qualify for the World Championship," he said.

He was already planning ahead, immediately after the triumph over Italy.

"This was a great win for Croatia, but it's only 50% of the job we have before us," Spahija added.