The Greeks finished first in their pool with a 100 per cent record and were fifth at last year's EuroBasket, with the Croatians - who were ninth at EuroBasket - only sneaking through their pool with one victory and a defeat.

The form-book was upset, however, as Croatia triumphed 66-61, largely thanks to a dominant opening quarter which saw them build a massive 31-13 lead at the Pala Alpitour.

Greece won the second and third quarters 21-13 and 15-8 respectively but it still wasn't enough as Croatia edged the final stanza 14-12.

Shooting guard Bojan Bogdanovic top-scored for the victors with 20 points in the success.

Their prize in the final will be a clash with hosts Italy, who eased past Mexico 79-54.

The winners of three qualification tournaments will reach Rio 2016 with events also taking place in Belgrade and Manila. 

In Belgrade, hosts Serbia thrashed Czech Republic 96-72 to easily move into the final and put themselves one game away from Rio.

They will meet Puerto Rico in the final, who were 77-70 victors over Lativa.

The Manila semi-finals will be played tomorrow, with Canada meeting New Zealand and France playing Turkey.