Key weekend for Spanish women’s basketball. The team trained by Miguel Mendez seek to reconquer Europe in the Eurobasket, and is already in the middle of the fight for the medals. And, what is even more important, Spain already has secured a place in the pre-Olympic of Paris 2024. Something that the coach, days before starting this Eurobasket, drew as the “most realistic goal”. With these players, we already know, there are no realistic or unrealistic goals. What there is is a runaway illusion, and this time, moreover, double: not only are they playing a victory or a medal, they are also playing to redeem themselves after a pothole that they seem to have finally left aside.
The Spanish women’s basketball team has claimed several victims on its way to the semifinals in Slovenia, a country that organizes (together with Israel) a Eurobasket that is receiving numerous criticisms due to the low attendance of the public to the matches. an anachronistic image that has nothing to do with the appearance of the courts in Europe in 2023. For example, what happened this season in Zaragoza, where Casademont was proclaimed champion of the Copa de la Reina with an absolute sellout in the tournament matches. A feat that we already talked about in THE OBJECTIVE at the time.
Going back to Europe: after a first setback against Latvia, in which they fell 67-63, The Spanish have done nothing more than win in this Eurobasket. Sometimes even crushing to their rivals. The victories against Montenegro (78-57) y Greece (76-60) they confirmed them as first in the group, something that allowed them to go directly to the quarterfinals. In that match, the quarterfinal, the blow against the table was forceful. passed ahead of Germany 67-42neutralizing the two best players of the German team, and betting on a strong defense that is being the key to a team that seeks to reinvent itself.
A choral selection with shared leadership
This new Spanish Selection is aware of his own history. Four Europeans, Olympic medals and in the World Cups contemplate a team that has undergone a remodeling typical of the generational change, on the one hand, and the change of coach, on the other. The result: a choral selection, with some veteran player capable of impressing her teammates with those past successes. But, also, very young players, and others who are beginning to stand out but who already have dozens of caps behind them. A team, moreover, with a distributed leadership.
One of those leaders Laura Gil. His example is the paradigm of this team. In February 2022, the Murcian player tore her Achilles tendon, a serious injury whose recovery is not exactly easy. Laura spent months recovering to be ready for this Eurobasket, and she has returned through the front door: she is the MVP of this team who knows a lot about resilience, like her.
Laura Gil, during the quarterfinal match against Germany. | Photo: Jure Makovec (AFP)
Another team leader is, without a doubt, Silvia Dominguez. She is the captain and the stripes are demonstrated with honors: she was in the three European golds of the best generation of our basketball, in the silver medal of the Rio Games and in the 2014 World Cup. In total, 14 years wearing the absolute jersey of Spain and conquering titles. At 36 years old, what she gives on the court is important, but what she gives off it is even more important. It is a reminder that with talent and hard work, Spain has been and can be a champion. Alba Torrens, Cristina Ouviña, Queralt Casas o Raquel Carrera They are other leaders of a team that is just one step away from returning to the podium.
Spain, to the assault: two parties for the glory
The absence in the 2022 World Cup It was a moment of reflection and pause for the Spanish team. After enjoying a golden age with seven consecutive years on the podium and winning the silver medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the team was forced to face the reality of not being able to participate in the World Cup tournament. The first objective of this Eurobasket, that of qualifying for the Pre-Olympic, has already been achieved. Now the glory remains.
This Spain renewed is ready. This Saturday, at 5:45 p.m., Spain will face Hungary in the semifinals. An affordable rival that allows you to dream of a new final. On the other side, both cocos of the tournament: France and especially Belgium, great favorite in this Eurobasket. Beyond rivals, there is something that is clear: Spain has returned to the path of victory, to that path to which we were so badly accustomed. And so spoiled, it seems, we will continue to be.
2023-06-24 10:26:31
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