The German women’s national basketball team rebounded from their opening-day defeat at the home World Cup by defeating Japan 74-58, putting their qualification hopes firmly back in their own hands ahead of the final group stage fixture, according to Eurosport.de and News.de.
One day after suffering a heavy 83-53 loss to tournament contenders Spain, head coach Olaf Lange’s squad responded with a disciplined defensive performance in front of 8,367 fans. With Mali pulling off an 82-73 upset victory over Spain earlier in the day, all four teams in Group A sit level on three points, leaving the race for the knockout rounds wide open.
Defensive Adjustment and Fast Start Against Japan
Entering the matchup, the German coaching staff faced a significant tactical challenge. Japan had set a World Cup record on opening day by sinking 20 three-pointers in a 102-97 victory over Mali, anchored by Saki Hayashi’s nine long-range makes. Compounding the challenge for Germany, Alexis Peterson was ruled out due to an acute infection.
Lange adjusted his starting lineup, inserting Britta Daub in place of Peterson while retaining WNBA player Nyara Sabally of Toronto Tempo. The changes paid immediate dividends. Germany limited Japan to just a single three-pointer in the opening period, executing a 14-0 run that built a commanding 28-11 lead. Frieda Bühner, who struggled during the opening loss to Spain, spearheaded the early offensive surge.
“I am very relieved. Our attitude, how we fought for each other, that laid the foundation,” Lange said in an interview with MagentaTV. “Our girls wanted to show that we can play better. I am very, very proud of our defensive performance.”
Nyara Sabally echoed her coach’s assessment, telling broadcasters, “We knew it was a must-win.”
Navigating Mid-Game Struggles
After dominating the glass and utilizing their size advantage under the watchful eye of men’s national team coach Àlex Mumbrú at the sidelines, the German offense hit a wall in the second quarter. Rhythm dissolved, and scoring stalled as the team managed just six points in the period, allowing Japan to narrow the deficit before halftime.
Offensive difficulties persisted into the third quarter for both sides, as Japan remained uncharacteristically cold from beyond the arc. Germany eventually rediscovered its footing inside the paint, highlighted by a difficult field goal from Leonie Fiebich that ignited another scoring run. By the end of the third quarter, the advantage had stretched back out to 58-39.
Standout Performers and Group A Standings
Germany maintained its composure through the final ten minutes to close out the 74-58 victory, securing a vital halftime cushion of 34-29 that they protected until the final buzzer. Frieda Bühner led all German scorers with 19 points, while Nyara Sabally added 18 points. Marie Gülich (11 points) and Emma Eichmeyer (10 points) rounded out the double-digit scorers for the hosts.
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The tournament format dictates that only the group winners advance directly to the quarter-finals. Teams finishing second and third must navigate a qualification play-in round, while the fourth-place team is eliminated. With every team in Group A holding an identical record, the DBB selection controls its own destiny.
What Comes Next
Following a scheduled tournament rest day, the German national team will face Mali on Monday in their final group stage match. A victory will secure progression to the next phase of the World Cup.
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