Before the World Cup final for German basketball players, national coach Gordon Herbert is aware of the historical significance of the moment.
“An opportunity like this doesn’t come often, maybe only once in a lifetime. Let’s take advantage of it. That’s how we feel in the coaching team too. Let’s enjoy the moment,” said Herbert before the big final in Manila on Sunday (2:40 p.m. CEST/ZDF and MagentaSport) against Serbia.
National player Moritz Wagner ignored the significance of the most important game in German basketball history in advance.
“I try not to glorify it so much, but simply to look at the game. And to put the external focus on the basketball aspect. The rest will come by itself,” said the Orlando Magic NBA professional: “When it’s over, I think you understand the importance of the games more.”
Basketball World Cup 2023: No big celebration in the German team
The silver medal has already been secured, but there was no big celebration after the spectacular 113:111 victory in the semifinals against the top favorites USA on Friday.
“We had a small dinner, then I studied Serbia until three in the morning,” said Herbert, who added: “It starts immediately after the game. There is no time to celebrate and no time to feel good in any way.”
After European Championship gold in 1993, World Cup bronze in 2002, European Championship silver in 2005 and bronze at the European Championships in Berlin last year, the German national team could achieve the most significant success in its history in the Philippine capital.
“Of course it’s a difficult game and of course it’s complicated. But we’re not here to win the semi-finals. I think it was clear from the start that we wanted to win the final,” said Wagner.