Quarterfinals of the European Championship Biggest game since 1997: Women’s basketball challenge Spain
The German basketball players meet Spain in the quarterfinals of the European Championship. photo
© Lucas Kröger/DBB/dpa
The German basketball players want to continue their successful streak at the European Championships in Slovenia – but now the biggest chunk is waiting. Coach Thomaidis sees this as an opportunity.
German women’s basketball hasn’t experienced such an important game in over 20 years – since 1997 to be precise, when Hungary reached the European Championship semi-finals and then also the bronze medal.
Now there is a chance again for the first time, even if the team of national coach Lisa Thomaidis is clearly the outsider against top favorite Spain. The Canadian reinterprets the situation as an opportunity. “It will be a nice challenge. A great stage on which we can present ourselves,” said Thomaidis before the European Championship quarter-finals in the evening (8.45 p.m. / Magentasport) in Ljubljana.
On Wednesday, the women’s basketball team took things a little easier given the tight schedule of games. There was no contact training on the program, instead a lot of rest, a lunch together and for some players a walk to the Slovenian capital in the morning. “I’m totally thrilled that we’re now playing against a top team. Super, super happy,” said Thomaidis.
Another win and participation in an Olympic qualifying tournament in 2024 would be certain. Possible semi-final opponents would be Hungary or the Czech Republic. In the event of a defeat against Spain, it would be a matter of finishing fifth in placement games and thus making the way for Paris to qualify for the Olympics.
dpa
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