That was clear. Despite a weaker second half, the German basketball players secured victory in the World Cup qualifier in Sweden.
The German basketball players defied their ongoing personnel problems and fulfilled their duty a week before the start of the European Championships at home.
The team of national coach Gordon Herbert clearly won the World Cup qualifier against Sweden 67:50 (46:29) and thus secured the sixth qualifying win in a row. Franz Wagner (16 points) and Dennis Schröder (12 points) were in good shape after winning in front of a full ranks in Stockholm.
“I’m proud of our defensive lads that we kept Sweden at 50 points,” said national coach Gordon Herbert after the lackluster success in Sweden’s capital. The second half in particular wasn’t as good as the 63-year-old expected: “We played really good basketball in the first half. After that we had big problems going forward. Sweden never gave up.”
Sweden overwhelmed from the start
Schröder’s use was uncertain for a long time due to an ankle injury from the Supercup. The 28-year-old, who is currently without a club, had only traveled the previous day, and the decision on his assignment was only made on the day of the match. Schröder directed the team’s offensive again and did it well, but his own movements weren’t working at 100 percent. The defender tried a lot from a distance, he hardly attacked the basket.
The internationally rather nameless Swedes, who had never qualified for a World Cup, were overwhelmed from the start and, despite loud support, fell clearly behind early on. The first successful three-point shot came in the second half, but it wasn’t enough for a big catch-up race.
Germany played without a few top performers like Maximilian Kleber, Isaiah Hartenstein, Tibor Pleiß or Daniel Theis, who are either missing at the moment or for the whole summer. Despite this, the Herbert team maintained control over long stretches. A weak third quarter with only eight own points did not change that. Especially Wagner from the Orlando Magic knew how to please with speed, technique and aggressiveness.
No indicator for the coming game
The guest appearance in Scandinavia was probably not a real indicator for the Slovenia game on August 28 (3 p.m. / Magentasport) in Munich. For head coach Herbert, however, there were several reassuring aspects: Schröder’s ankle is secure, Wagner on the wing continues to play at a high level and the defense also works solidly.
A key to success at the European Championship (September 1 to 18) is likely to be a quick comeback by Theis. The NBA pro of the Indiana Pacers is currently struggling with knee problems and will not be used against Luka Doncic and Co. in the last World Cup qualifier before the European Championship. After that, there is only a three-day break before the home tournament begins in Cologne with a bang against France.
On the other hand, Herbert does not have to worry too much about qualifying for the 2023 World Cup in Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines. Finland and Germany are clearly in the lead with six wins and one loss each, and two more wins from the remaining five games should be enough.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
