Germany Advances to EuroBasket Quarterfinals After Scare Against Portugal
By ArchySports.com Staff | September 6,2025
The German national basketball team,a favorite heading into EuroBasket 2025,found themselves in a dogfight against Portugal in the Round of 16. What many expected to be a straightforward victory turned into a nail-biter, with Germany ultimately prevailing 85-58 [[1]].
The game, held in Riga, saw Germany struggle to find their rhythm for the first three quarters.Portugal, led by Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta, put up a strong fight, exposing vulnerabilities in the German defense [[1]]. The score at halftime was a surprisingly close 31-32.
according to sources, Germany’s captain, Dennis Schroder, delivered a stern message to his teammates during a timeout. While the exact words remain private, the impact was undeniable.Germany emerged a different team in the fourth quarter, showcasing the offensive firepower and defensive intensity that many expected from the start.
The final score doesn’t reflect the intensity of the game. For three quarters, Portugal played with the heart of an underdog, reminiscent of the 2004 Greek national soccer team that shocked the world by winning the European Championship. They challenged every shot,fought for every rebound,and forced germany into uncomfortable situations.
However, Germany’s depth and experience ultimately proved to be the difference.While specific player stats are still being compiled, the team’s ability to adjust and execute down the stretch highlights their championship pedigree. This win comes after Germany dominated group B, including a decisive victory over Finland [[2]][[3]].
Looking ahead, Germany will need to address the issues that plagued them in the first three quarters against Portugal. As they advance to the quarterfinals,the competition will only get tougher. Teams like Slovenia,led by Luka Doncic,are playing at a high level and will present a important challenge.
What’s Next for Germany?
Sports enthusiasts should keep an eye on Germany’s upcoming quarterfinal matchup. Will they be able to maintain their dominant form from the group stage, or will they continue to struggle against determined underdogs? This EuroBasket tournament is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, and Germany’s journey is far from over.
Further examination is warranted into Germany’s defensive strategies and how they plan to contain star players like Doncic. Also, analyzing their offensive sets in the fourth quarter against Portugal could provide valuable insights into their adjustments and overall game plan.
out with a little more aggressiveness. That showed that we have a very deep team. Everyone who touched the court contributed to victory,” said Schröder after the game.
Coach Alan Ibrahimagic also saw a complicated game: “It was not easy. Portugal made life very arduous. On the return of national coach Alex Mumbru, Ibrahimagic and his boss shared the tasks on the sidelines.
Germany won clearly and reached the european championship quarter-finals, but showed its weakest tournament performance. Mumbru stood on the sidelines for the first time during the European Championship after he had completely missed the preliminary round due to a abdominal disease.
In the quarter-finals on Wednesday, Germany will deal with NBA superstar Luka Doncic either with Italy or Slovenia.If it is then to work with the semi-finals, a significant increase in performance and a return to the brilliant form from the preliminary round in tampers is necessary. Against Portugal,Schröder and Franz Wagner with 16 points each were the best German throwers. “I hope that we will start better in the quarterfinals,” said Ibrahimagic.
Mumbru back on the line
Mumbru suffered an “acute abdomen” on Monday last week and was taken to the hospital in Tampere. This is an emergency situation that requires immediate medical treatment. It mostly manifests itself in violent abdominal pain. During the group phase, assistance coach Alan Ibrahimagic had taken obligation and led the team to five confident victories in five games.
Sence moving to Riga, Mumbru had taken over the scepter again and had already managed training on Friday. The Spaniard was back on the line for the first time during the European Championship against the Portuguese, wich was first in the round of 16 in the round of 16.
Mumbru had lost a lot of weight in the past few days, but or else looked relaxed and also painted the first move on his tactics panel before the start of the game.During the game, the 46-year-old sat more than usual, but was always on the sidelines to give instructions. Ibrahimagic also moved on the line every now and then-the coaching duo shared the coaching tasks.
Basketball European Championship: Germany without rhythm
“That should give us a bit of energy again that it is indeed back and healthy. He will be very motivated. We will continue to play as before,” said Andreas Obst before the game at Magenta Sport to return to the national coach.
But initially there was not much to see from the top form of Tampere when Germany dominated the opponents at will. The world champion began to be careless and unfocused and was quickly 2: 7 behind. The German team had shot the game until the end of the first quarter (17:12) – there was not much to be felt from the shine of the preliminary round.
For a long time,Germany did not find a rhythm in the new environment. Only one of 18 three -point throws found their way into the basket in the first half – that’s why the world champion was for the first time during the tournament for the break in the back (31:32).
World champion continues
“We have not transformed a lot of good throws, then you get nervous and a little tense. The importance of the game is in the background. We only need a little more looseness,” said Ibrahimagic at the break.
But even after the change of sides,not much went together with the tournament favorite,the German game continued to seem cramped. Only towards the end of the third quarter Maodo Lo finally hit the second German threesome, but before the last section, Germany was only one point in the lead (52:51). In the last ten minutes, too, it has remained a tough affair, so the significantly higher German quality prevails in the end.
DPA
PGO / lars Reinefeld and Patrick Reichardt
| Category | Germany | Portugal | Notes |
| :——————- | :—————————– | :—————————- | :—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— |
| Final Score | 85 | 58 | Germany’s victory, but a closer game than anticipated. |
| Halftime Score | 31 | 32 | Portugal led at halftime, exposing defensive weaknesses in Germany. |
| Leading Scorers | Dennis Schroder (16 points), franz Wagner (16 points) | Not yet fully available | Schroder and Wagner were key in leading the German offence. |
| Key Adjustment | Strong 4th quarter performance | N/A | Germany’s team depth and experience, was the key to the victory.
