The electric atmosphere surrounding the women’s basketball World Cup in Berlin has reached Dirk Nowitzki, as he joined fans in celebrating the German national team’s advance to the tournament semifinals. Following a quarterfinal victory in the capital, the 48-year-old former NBA champion with the Dallas Mavericks was spotted dancing in delight as the host nation secured its place among the final four teams.
Speaking to reporters about the team’s tournament run, Nowitzki expressed admiration for the squad’s collective drive. “Es war eine unglaubliche Stimmung, ich habe mich riesig gefreut,” Nowitzki said, describing the environment in the arena. “Das war eine unglaubliche Teamleistung, die jedermann stolz gemacht hat.”
The journey to the medal rounds has captivated German sports fans and drawn crowds to Berlin’s arenas. After dropping their opening match of the tournament against Spain, the team regrouped and fought their way through the bracket with players like Leonie Fiebig and Nyara Sabally. Nowitzki, who watched both the eighth-final and quarterfinal matchups live from the stands, noted how the squad’s confidence has grown with each outing. “Von Spiel zu Spiel besser,” the Würzburg native observed. “Die Mannschaft hat sich ins Turnier reingekämpft. Sie lassen sich ein bisschen von der Euphorie tragen.”
The Road to the Semifinals and Upcoming Clashes
The German team faces a test in the semifinal round on Saturday, where they are scheduled to meet France. Tip-off is set for 16.30 local time, with live television and streaming coverage provided by ProSieben Maxx and MagentaSport. When asked about a prediction for the showdown against the French side, Nowitzki kept his expectations grounded: “Schauen wir mal, was so geht im Halbfinale.”
The surge in performance has also brought visibility to women’s basketball in Germany, creating a new wave of idols for aspiring athletes. Svenja Brunckhorst, a 3×3 Olympic champion from Paris who serves as patron alongside Nowitzki for the nationwide social project “Baskidballs,” highlighted the impact the tournament is having on the next generation. “Wir reden viel über Sichtbarkeit und Vorbilder. Auf einmal sind diese Vorbilder da,” Brunckhorst noted, pointing out that players have been close and reachable in front of the hall after games.
Transforming Fan Culture and Grassroots Impact
The transformation in public interest over recent years has been stark. Brunckhorst recalled playing in front of around 80 people just four or five years ago, contrasting it with the sold-out arenas seen throughout the current World Cup hosting campaign. “Die Euphorie in den Hallen löst etwas aus und trägt auch das Team weiter. Es ist so wichtig, dass wir dieses Turnier in unseren Hallen haben,” she added.
As the tournament reaches its climax in Berlin, the focus shifts squarely to Saturday’s semifinal match against France. Fans looking to follow the action can tune into the afternoon broadcast as the German team looks to extend its run on home soil.
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