In the first game of the Basketball World Cup, Japan was physically inferior to Germany, but this advantage will be lost against Australia. The task on Sunday (08/27/2023) should be much more demanding. Franz Wagner drops out.
Germany’s basketball hopeful Franz Wagner did not get fit in time for the second World Cup group game. The Orlando Magic professional was out and about in Okinawa on Sunday afternoon with a huge pair of walking boots and ruled out a match against Australia (10:30 a.m.). “It’s not going to be anything today,” said Wagner, who will be 22 this Sunday, referring to his ankle injury.
“Australia is a different caliber. Japan and Australia are completely different, both in talent level and physicality. We have to think from one game to the next. Australia is one of the medal favorites“, said national coach Gordon Herbert. The duel with the Olympic bronze medalist from Tokyo in Okinawa, Japan, is considered an early final for victory in preliminary round group E.
Lots of NBA power on the opponent
Australia has nine professionals from the American top flight NBA including point guards Patty Mills and Josh Giddey and three-pointer specialist Joe Ingles. “They are very experienced and very physical. They have been together for a long time and have gained some young players“said co-captain Johannes Voigtmann.
Head coach Herbert didn’t want to identify a favourite, he compared the duel to a coin toss. “We have to play better to win. That will be interesting. Who is the favourite? That is your task“, Herbert told the journalists with a smile. With a second win, Germany would reach the intermediate round almost perfectly and take a huge step towards group victory. The entry into the final round in Manila would also be a big step closer.