MADRID (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Croatia were inconsistent during the Group Phase of the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Young star Dario Saric hopes his team has that up-and-down play out of their system and that they will build upon their strong showing against Puerto Rico in their Round of 16 showdown against France on Saturday.

After barely fending off the Philippines, Croatia looked strong against Argentina but then struggled in losing to Senegal and Greece.

But the team came together again in a win-or-go-home decider against Puerto Rico and showed just how good the Balkan team could play sometimes.

"Against Puerto Rico, we showed how we can play when we move the ball and play like a team. We are still here and still in the next round," said Saric, who had his usual all-around game with 15 points, four rebounds and three assists in Thursday's contest.

It's the assists which were key. The higher the number of assists the team collects, the better Croatia's chances are of winning the game.

They got by Philippines with 16 assists and then had 19 in the win over Argentina. Sixteen assists were not enough against Senegal and neither were the nine versus Greece. But Croatia shared the ball for 26 assists in blowing out Puerto Rico 103-82. 

We presented good basketball against Puerto Rico, but we feel we could do more than second place in the group. - Saric

Now Saric expects a real battle against France in the Round of 16 in Madrid.

"It will be a fight for position all game and we have to play tough offense and defense," he warned.

The 20-year-old will play a major role in Croatia's chances of winning.

He has come a long way and become a real leader in his third summer with the senior national team.

"I brought my body up to a higher level - my muscle, my speed, my first step. I brought up everything to a higher basketball level," said Saric, who helped Cibona win the Adriatic league last season and then signed a deal with Anadolu Efes.

"I feel more confident this year that last year. It's good for me and the team if I'm in a good rhythm and have good confidence."

His development hasn't gone unnoticed by his teammates.

"Of course, he made a big step. Every year, he grows up. I think now he's a player. He’s only 20 years old, but he’' a player like all of us here. He's one of the most important players for our team," said Krunoslav Simon.

And if Saric has anything to say about it, Croatia will put their inconsistency behind them and look challenge for a podium finish.

FIBA