After their opening victory at the Olympic qualifying tournament in Belem, Brazil, the German basketball players received a lesson against group favorites Australia without the sisters Satou and Nyara Sabally. National coach Lisa Thomaidis’ team lost to the three-time Olympic silver medalists 52:85 (24:54) and missed the first match point, but still has a good chance of getting the ticket to Paris.
If, for example, Serbia also loses against hosts Brazil after the defeat against Germany (66:73) late on Saturday evening, the two-time European champions have failed. In this case, Germany would qualify for the summer games for the first time – regardless of the outcome of the final group games on Sunday. Australia has already secured its participation after two wins.
Since three teams from the four-man relay receive a starting place, Germany still has its fate in its own hands. With a win on Sunday (midnight CET/free on MagentaSport) against Brazil, participation in the Olympics would be perfect.
Two days after the important victory over the Serbians, Nyara Sabally was rested against Australia, while star player Satou Sabally had to miss the game due to injury. The Berliner sat on the bench and wore her left arm in a sling.
And the absence of the star players became noticeable and the start was unsuccessful. Only after five minutes did the first points reach 2:8. The “Opals” dominated at will, and it was already clear at half time that there was nothing to gain for the outsiders. The German team’s best thrower was once again Leonie Fiebich (12 points).
At the European Championships last year, the selection from the German Basketball Federation (DBB) earned their starting place for the Olympic qualifying tournament with sixth place.