Germany and Serbia to Face off in World Cup Final: A Historic Opportunity and a Battle of Styles

Post-Nowitzki Germany will try on Sunday in Manila (2:40 p.m. French) to win the first world title in its history, on the momentum of a successful Euro unlike that of Serbia, returning to the forefront after several years shortage and despite the absence of several executives including Nikola Jokic. The poster, in the Mall of Asia Arena, is also 100% European for the first time since 2006 and Spain’s victory against Greece.

Four years earlier, Yugoslavia, then made up of Serbia and Montenegro, was crowned world champion for the second time in a row. His last title, with Svetislav Pesic at the helm, who will be, at 74, back on the Serbian bench on Sunday. The 1993 European champion technician with Germany (of which he also has nationality), refused to draw a parallel between these two “totally different” eras. “It was after this title (world title in 2002) that I started playing basketball,” said guard Marko Guduric, then seven years old.

During this first World Cup of the 21st century, Germany stood on an international podium for the only time in its history, led by Dirk Nowitzki. “Jaaaa” (“Yesssss”) wrote the former star of the Dallas Mavericks on his , Johannès Voigtmann, Andreas Obst) and a young guard (Franz and Moritz Wagner, Isaac Bonga).

Dirk Nowitzki

Credit: Getty Images

“It’s just my second (international competition), but almost everyone else has been playing for the national team for several years. They are experienced at this level and used to playing together,” explained Orlando winger Franz Wagner after the qualification. (22 years old and 22 pts in half, 2.08 m), one of four players playing in the NBA.

Reconstruction after Nowitzki

This final, reached without losing a single match – unlike Serbia – consecrates the reconstruction work carried out since post-Nowitzki and extends a successful Euro 2022 at home, with a third place, then the best result of the Germany since 2005 (Euro final).

“We are committed to a three-year project. This is the second year. My players take care of each other, fight for each other. This group is special”, underlined the experienced Canadian coach of the ‘Germany Gordon Herbert, 64 years old. After taking the United States at their own game (113-111), transitioning at a wild pace, his team should encounter a completely different style of opposition on Sunday.

This Serbia with its well-oiled collective game, in the tradition of the old Yugoslav school, is much better armed internally than the Americans (Nikola Milutinov, Nikola Jovic, Filip Petrusev), rigorous defensively and tactically on point. “Since the first day, the coach has insisted on the toughness and intensity that we must show in defense: no matter how successful we are in attack, we must respond in defense. This is our main strength,” explained Guduric after the match. show of force in the semi-final against Canada (95-86).

Bogdan Bogdanovic at the World Cup

Credit: Getty Images

“Time to assimilate”

And so far, success in attack has been there, particularly with captain Bogdan Bogdanovic (19.6 pts average and 40% three-point success since the start of the tournament). The elegant leader-back from Atlanta was absent at Euro 2022 (injured to a knee) where, Serbia had taken the door in the round of 16 with, however, in its ranks, Jokic, Vasilije Micic, Nikola Kalinic or Vladimir Lucic, executives all absent at the World Cup, injured or preferring to rest.

The incredible Serbian breeding ground was already guided by Pesic, on whom a rain of criticism had then fallen. “We have confidence in the coach, we now understand his systems better, it took a little time to assimilate them” explained Guduric, asked about the difference compared to Euro 2022. A year later, and six years after its last competitive final (Euro 2017), Serbia is back.

2023-09-09 20:11:48
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