In this selection cycle, the basketball players rehabilitated themselves for not entering the previous European Championship, and had already guaranteed a ticket to the final tournament before going to Sweden. National team basketball player Kitty Lax admitted that the situation before the match in Sweden was a little different than usual, but the game was important for the team.
“Just come ten thousand of them [skatītāju] to show in front who is who – why they are not in the European Championship and why we are,” Laksa said. “At least I personally think so – it is very important, [lai] we play this game with quality, we get something out of it. Instead of coming home for vacation. Internally, everything is fine in the team. That core is already there [nemainīgs]. With coach Vētras, basketball may be a little different, according to his philosophy, but at the end of the day, there is no other basketball. That’s her functional I like it, especially if we can win with their idea, then I think everything is right for us.”
In Stockholm, each basketball player shortened the trip to the hotel in a different way, but the unifying motif for some was the “Supernova” final,
which did not leave indifferent even the best Latvian basketball players. However, upon arrival at the hotel, it was time for the players to get into a rhythm before tomorrow’s game.
“We have played well so far. This game means nothing to the Swedes. It means nothing to us, but we want to play well and finish with [bilanci] 4-0,” emphasized the captain of the national team, Anete Steinberga.
Vētra explained that each coach comes with his own understanding of basketball and vision of the game, so it took time for both him and the players to understand what kind of basketball the coach wants to see.
The duel against the Swedes was special, as the game was played in the arena, which is the largest spherical structure in the world and can accommodate up to 16,000 spectators.
The home team wanted to improve the attendance record of their national team, which would motivate the team in the fight to enter the final tournament. During the first training session, a basketball player can dream of playing in such a hall with 10,000 spectators, Vētra reminded.
“I think that maybe that dream has come true for each other. Today, that will be the situation. We are trying to enjoy it,” Vētra motivated the team before the game.
“We have to play our game. We have to show that we are a serious team. That’s all,” admitted Steinberg. “Personally, I don’t have any goals to achieve, just to play well.”
However, Aneta had her own goals, and after playing 40 minutes, she won the record frame. At the end of the match, realizing two free throws, Aneta’s points yield reached 37, which made it possible to break Ieva Tāre’s almost 30-year-old record for points scored in one game by the national team.
After the victory, Steinberga was happy with the team’s performance, because even though the first half was not the most successful for the Latvians, it did not prevent them from winning.
“As always we showed character and [to]that we, the Latvian women’s national team, are able to win maybe even from such – I won’t say hopeless… but -12 [punktu deficīts] it’s -12,” said Steinberg. “Cool, of course, mom has come with her friend. It’s cool to meet people from outside Latvia and it’s a pleasure to beat the home team – in their hall in front of such a large audience.”
The players will now focus on the season in their clubs, but already in the summer they will go to the European Championship.
Steinberg hopes that no player will suffer more health problems than the inevitable micro-injuries that would prevent one from being included in the national team this cycle.
“Hopefully, there won’t be any such things. That’s probably the most important thing – health, and then finish these seasons [klubos]. Hopefully someone will win the Eurocup or the Euroleague will be in the “Final Four” [finālčetriniekā]. Then we should continue with positive emotions,” emphasized Steinberga.
Laksa described the team as a team that has been together for a long time, and there would be reason to expect more significant success.
“Right now would be the time to do something big. That’s the inner desire the most abnormal level,” explained Laksa. “At this moment, talk, thoughts and dreams must finally turn into action.”
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