Basketball
Germany advance and accelerate in a sold-out arena
BERLIN (Germany) - Before the start of the game against Mali, everything was still possible in Group A. Germany had their destiny in their own hands – and delivered a statement win.
For the third time in Berlin, Germany played in front of a sold-out crowd, with 12,550 fans filling the arena and creating an incredible atmosphere that once again underlined the power of home-court advantage.
Among those in the building was Dennis Schröder, the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup champion and MVP as well as EuroBasket 2025 winner and MVP, there to witness Germany's latest step forward.
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/AThe blowout loss to Spain on Day 1 now feels far away. With every game, the team's chemistry and momentum are clearly improving.
“We didn't come out the way we wanted to,” admitted Nyara Sabally after the game. “But we always believed in ourselves. We always handle that. We can play better basketball, and I feel like we've shown that over the past few days.”
Alexis Peterson (9 points and 5 assists) is back running the point. The stars, Nyara Sabally and Leonie Fiebich, may not be at full force yet, but they are getting better with each game. In the meantime, the supporting cast has elevated their game, pushing this team forward with ambition as they head into the Final Phase.
Once again, Frieda Buhner was excellent with 21 points, but Luisa Geiselsoder's 17 points set the tone early on offense, powering her way into Mali's paint. Germany took control early and never gave Sika Kone and her teammates much hope of a comeback.
"We wanted to come out and match their physicality", said Leonie Fiebich after the game.
"I think we did a really good job. I don't think we gave them anything easy, even though we went through ups and downs. And obviously, coming into today, anything was possible."
Experience was the difference in this do-or-die game?
"We've played on really big stages", continued Fiebich. "We know how to play. I think we have like a really good mix of experience and young players."
The fantastic crowd also gave them energy,
"It's very special. I've never experienced that before in my national team career. That's something really special that we will remember for a long time."
Along with Spain's win over Japan, Germany's victory sends them through to the Qualification for Quarter-Finals game, where they will face Korea. And with a Quarter-Final against their powerhouse European neighbours, Belgium, potentially awaiting them, Germany's momentum could not be arriving at a better time.
FIBA
